One student’s visit to campus for Immersion weekend was better than he expected (and he’s not just talking about the coffee)

Immersion weekend is a yearly event where we invite all of online students to campus for a weekend intensive course, which counts for 1.5 credit hours of electives. Each year, we invite one faculty member to select the topic (usually in his or her area of expertise), and they are responsible for planning the course and all the parts of the weekend. This year, Professor John Stephens presented his course on ‘Artificial Intelligence in Public Administration’. One of our current students Ushni Gupta sat down with current student Kevin Fulbright to talk about his experience coming to campus for Immersion. Here’s what we learned.

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Ushni Gupta: Kevin, thank you so much for joining me today. I’m excited to dive into your experience with the UNC MPA program, especially the recent immersion. I’ve heard amazing things about it, and I have to say, I had a bit of FOMO since I couldn’t attend this year. Can you share your experience with the immersion program?

Kevin Fulbright: Honestly, I was set on attending the immersions right from the start. I first discovered the immersion program while going through the course catalog during my admissions research, and it immediately stood out to me. I didn’t need any convincing—it was a no-brainer. I knew this experience was something I wanted to take full advantage of, so I made sure to attend both eligible sessions, including the one that just passed this Fall.

Ushni Gupta: That’s fantastic! It’s great to hear how committed you were from the beginning. What do you think sets the immersion program apart from other online MPA or even other online graduate programs?

Kevin Fulbright: That’s a great question. From my experience and from talking to others in our cohort, I haven’t heard of any other online MPA programs that offer something quite like this. The immersion program at UNC is unique because it bridges the gap between online flexibility and in-person engagement. It’s not just another Zoom session or online discussion; it’s an intensive, hands-on experience that deepens your understanding of public administration topics and connects you with your peers on a much more personal level. It brings together the best of both worlds, which is rare to find in online education.

Ushni Gupta: That sounds incredible! I heard that the focus of this immersion was on artificial intelligence, which can be a pretty complex topic. How was that experience for you, especially since AI is becoming increasingly relevant in various sectors?

Kevin Fulbright: The AI focus was both challenging and fascinating. The structure of the immersion was exceptionally well-organized. It was packed with enriching interactions and diverse content, all centered around artificial intelligence. We had subject matter expert lectures, including sessions led by Dr. Stephens, who really broke down complex AI concepts. What made it even more impactful was that some of our own cohort members, who already work with AI in their respective fields, shared their expertise. They gave us real-world examples of how AI is being integrated into government operations, preparing us for the inevitable changes AI will bring to our own workplaces.

Ushni Gupta: I also heard there were some special events during the immersion, like the Deil Wright Public Sector Forum and the networking reception. How were those experiences?

Kevin Fulbright: Oh, those were definitely highlights! The Deil Wright Public Sector Forum was a standout for me. We had North Carolina public officials discussing how AI impacts their governance areas. It was a fantastic opportunity to hear directly from leaders about the challenges and opportunities AI presents. Then, we had the Regal All Hands reception, which was this amazing mix of faculty, alumni, current students, and even folks who weren’t officially part of the immersion but wanted to join in. The atmosphere was electric, with everyone networking, sharing stories, and just enjoying the vibe. We even had people drive in from Charlotte just for that evening!

Ushni Gupta: Now, circling back to AI, I’m curious—has your immersion experience influenced how you approach your current role with the Indian Health Service?

Kevin Fulbright: That’s a great question. AI hasn’t fully integrated into my current role yet, but it’s on the horizon. At our recent annual IT conference, we learned that Microsoft Co-Pilot, powered by GPT-4, will soon be coming to our agency. It’s not a matter of if, but when. So, everything I’ve been learning about AI through the UNC immersion and my personal exploration is preparing me for those changes. The immersion experience, especially, has given me a head start in understanding how AI can enhance our work in federal healthcare.

Ushni Gupta: What was the part of the immersion weekend that you really enjoyed the most?

Kevin Fulbright: You’re gonna love this. So, besides the food and beverages at the School of Government, seriously, I did not have a bad meal or drink the whole time I was there. They’ve got this amazing coffee machine that makes like 15 different varieties. You can be completely caffeinated the whole time you’re there. And the coffee’s top-notch—nothing like those quick-stop gas station machines. This place knows how to brew. But honestly, beyond that, what I really took away from the immersion was the genuine care and the vibe of the place. The energy from everyone—from the Dean, the faculty, to the students, even the alumni—was just so welcoming. It’s a unique atmosphere, and you’ll feel it soon enough.

Ushni Gupta: That sounds incredible! What would you say was the biggest lesson or takeaway from the weekend for you?

Kevin Fulbright: Well, speaking specifically about AI, it’s clear that artificial intelligence is already reshaping industries, and we’re on the brink of that coming into public administration, especially in agencies like the Indian Health Service, where I work. The immersion taught me that it’s on us, as public administrators, to make sure AI benefits all stakeholders equitably, safely, and without bias. It’s about crafting policies and guidelines that ensure the technology is used responsibly.

Ushni Gupta: How was it connecting with classmates, faculty, and alumni for the first time?

Kevin Fulbright: Ah, this is my favorite question. The immersion really solidified the friendships and bonds we had already started forming in class. When we came together in person, it was like this huge reunion. There were smiles, hugs, and so many memories made—people told me they’ve made lifelong friends here. That’s something special.

My mom, who’s a Buddhist, always emphasizes the importance of making others happy. Seeing the joy on everyone’s faces during the immersion, it made me feel like I was in the right place. Everyone just genuinely cared about each other, and that positive energy really extended to everyone—faculty, staff, students, and alumni alike. It’s not just about the degree; it’s about building these authentic connections.

Ushni Gupta: Do you have any recommendations for any prospective students thinking of joining the MPA Program?

Kevin Fulbright: To anyone considering the UNC MPA program—whether online or in person—I highly recommend it. The experience is one that exceeds expectations in every way. And I’m not just saying that because I’m in the program. I’ve told people that if given the chance, I’m going to be the biggest ambassador for this program. So, to anyone who’s thinking about it, go for it. It’s not just about earning a degree; it’s about finding a community that genuinely cares about you and your growth. If you have the opportunity to attend the immersion sessions, absolutely do it. The connections you make, the knowledge you gain, and the memories you create are invaluable. The immersion is a chance to step out of your comfort zone, meet incredible people, and see the real-world applications of what we’re learning. It’s an experience that truly enriches your journey in the MPA program.