UNC MPA

For our first Professional Work Experience blog post, read about Desiree DeDolce on seeing her MPA coursework learning of public engagement in practice with the Town of Chapel Hill. Link in bio.

Sometimes the best opportunities start with a simple conversation.

When then MPA student Noah Ellington attended an alumni event in January, he had no idea it would lead to something extraordinary. What started as a casual chat turned into a behind-the-scenes role helping plan a high-profile retreat for congressional chiefs of staff — giving Noah a firsthand look at the inner workings of national government.

His story is a reminder: Show up, put yourself out there, and see where a conversation might take you

🔗 Read the full story at the link in bio!

Our students are doing great work and applying learning to practice this summer as part of their work experience. Look out for blog posts on our MPA Matters blog. Link in bio.

Over 40 UNC MPA students are completing the required work experience this summer. Today, students connected virtually for a reflection session to learn about the work their peers are completing, dive into conversation on skills development, and gain insight from one another.

UNC MPA faculty are bringing scholarship to DC for the 2026 Public Management Research Conference – a premier public administration research conference.

UNC MPA faculty and staff gathered for our summer retreat to connect, share information, and engage in topics that will help us continue to support our students and achieve our mission of preparing public service leaders and creating usable knowledge to improve governance.

Wrapping up our series! Stephanie Starr’s MPA experience deepened her leadership through reflection, financial insight, and collaboration. Her biggest takeaway: complex public challenges require trust, teamwork, and diverse perspectives, and it’s never too late to keep learning. Read the full story in our bio!

Brenda Portaro’s MPA journey transformed her approach to local government. From coursework to hands-on experience with the Town of Holly Springs, she gained insight into strategic planning, financial analysis, and sustainable community impact. See bio for the full story!

For Patrick Jones, the biggest surprise of the UNC MPA program was personal growth. Beyond building skills, the experience sparked self-reflection, helping Patrick better understand strengths, challenges, and leadership potential. See bio for the full story!

The UNC MPA program helped Sara Paige Murray sharpen her leadership skills and broaden her vision for public service. Through a dynamic online cohort, she gained new perspectives, strengthened collaboration, and developed a more informed, principled path forward. See our bio for the full story!