What is the best part about teaching in this graduate program?
We get to contribute to the development of future community leaders and managers … as a result, I see amazing community leaders across the state (and beyond) making their communities better places. Truly amazing!
What is the one thing you hope students take away from your course(s)?
My courses are all so different!
Leadership: the ability to honestly self-reflect and be open-minded to others’ feedback as well.
Research and Program Evaluation: self-confidence to examine a problem and try to get to the source to better evaluate solutions.
Portfolio: a feeling of accomplishment in all that they have learned in their MPA program.
Internship: feeling like they can positive contribute to an organization or municipality and that their MPA has value.
What are the real-world applications of the work you do at the University?
- Being able to lead and manage with an array of styles that are somewhat dictated by the variety of situations they may encounter.
- Technical skills to analyze problems using data.
- Engaging others in effective ways.
- Experience.
What kinds of coursework and capstone projects should students expect?
Our program values engaged application therefore most courses have applied projects as the coursework. The capstone isn’t a thesis — instead it is either a portfolio (collected projects/writings reflecting our accreditation’s (NASPAA) universal competencies) or an internship (which frequently is completed at one’s employment).
What advice would you give to a student who wants to be successful?
Go at a pace that allows you to fully engage in the materials, with your peers, and professors versus racing through it.
What is the focus of your scholarly pursuits?
For the last several years, a colleague, Mike Hattery, and I have been creating case studies of local governments that attempted to change to a council-manager form of government.
What is the most interesting thing, to you, about the research area you’re pursuing?
We get to visit municipalities and talk to local leaders.