• How did you select your graduate school and how did it prepare you for your career?
• Work or internship experience during graduate school
• What was the most important or useful course you took in the MPA/MPP?
• Were you a Presidential Management Intern?
• What has been your career path since graduating? What do you want to be doing in 5 years?
• What is the most exciting and/or interesting aspect of your current job?
• Do you feel your MPA/MPP is helping you to “make a difference?” How?
• What advice, if any, would you give to an undergraduate thinking about going for an MPA/MPP?

How did you select your graduate school and how did it prepare you for your career?

> I chose the University of Arkansas Fayetteville based on the literature produced by the university as well as other information I obtained. At the time, I was interested in a public administration degree with an emphasis in management and economic development. The University of Arkansas Fayetteville was able to offer the flexibility to create such an emphasis.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> During graduate school, I participated in two internship programs that were both associated with city management. First, I worked as an intern for the City of Fayetteville at the City Manager’s Office. I was able to undertake projects in various areas of the city that spurred my interest in municipal management. The interaction with the staff and public on the issues affecting them were so diverse that every day presented a new challenge and opportunity to make a difference within the organization and community.

Although I had completed all of my coursework at the University of Fayetteville, I was still required to complete another internship and write a corresponding paper. The paper was a requirement designed to link academic studies to job experience gained throughout the internship. For the internship requirement I worked for six months with Bruno Rumbelow, the City Manager of Texarkana, Arkansas. I was then hired as the Assistant to the City Manager in Texarkana. It was through this internship, that I was able to work side by side with Bruno Rumbelow, which allowed me to gain some real experience on the job. This experience helped me to realize that I wanted a career in city management.

What was the most important or useful course you took in the MPA/MPP?

> I would have to say that both the organizational behavior courses and budgeting courses have been very important. I believe these two areas of the MPA program are what define the unique traits of public management from the private sector. Additionally, I have found that these two course disciplines facilitate the learning of three essential elements in city management: 1) policy making 2) policy funding and 3) staff implementation. These three elements are driven by an understanding of people and finances. 

Were you a Presidential Management Intern?

> No.

What has been your career path since graduating? What do you want to be doing in 5 years?

> Upon completion of my internship in Texarkana, Arkansas and six months as an assistant to the city manager, I sought a position as a city manager in a small community. In 1994, I was hired as the City Manager of Dewey, Oklahoma. I was the Dewey City Manager for five years, and then in 1999 I accepted the position of city manager in Sachse, Texas. I have been in Sachse for four years. 

In five years, I hope to continue to pursue opportunities that will challenge and increase my professional abilities. I want to be in a dynamic city, such as Sachse, which is proving to be an exciting opportunity in my career of city management. Sachse is the fastest growing suburb in Dallas County and because of this I have the opportunity to be involved with many changes that are taking place. I am involved with land use and planning, service provision, economic development and organizational development. 

What is the most exciting and/or interesting aspect of your current job?

> I believe being a part of the development of a vision within a community is both interesting and exciting. Everyday I meet with elected officials, staff, citizens, developers and engineers that help generate ideas of how to turn an undeveloped piece of land into something new and dynamic. The greatest challenge and satisfaction is being able to coordinate all the people and resources to make the vision of the citizens a reality. 

Do you feel your MPA/MPP is helping you to “make a difference?” How?

> I believe, as a city manager, I do make a difference, and I know that I would not be where I am today without my MPA degree. First of all, the requirements of the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville MPA Program were instrumental in the focus I developed on city management. It was through the MPA program that I was able to participate in two internships that helped me determine city management as my career path. Secondly, the internship program introduced me to many in the profession, such a Bruno Rumbelow, who have had a positive and influential impact. Thirdly, and most importantly, the MPA program has provided me with a broad scope of knowledge and excellent training to address the issues I have faced as a city manager. Furthermore, getting an MPA has essentially become a requirement for those desiring to be a city manager.

What advice, if any, would you give to an undergraduate thinking about going for an MPA/MPP?

> Presented with the broad range of opportunities in public administration, I do not believe I was unique as an undergraduate student in not knowing exactly what career path I wanted to pursue. As MPA candidates know, the field of Public Administration provides many career opportunities in local, state, federal and nonprofit management. I think it is critical to have on the job experience in order to make the decision regarding one’s focus. Therefore, I would recommend that whether an undergraduate or graduate student, all individuals should take full advantage of internship opportunities.