• 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 UALR because it is where I attended undergraduate school and I felt that the University was the best place to continue my education. I had been in government and wanted to pursue the MPA because I believed this course of study would best prepare me for a long-term public service career. The MPA program opened my eyes to a number of issues, concerns and challenges in the field and enabled me to build a comprehensive support network around central Arkansas. All of this has helped me get to where I am.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> While attending school I was working in government with the Arkansas State Park system – this enabled me to put what I was learning into practice. 

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

> They were all good – I most enjoyed the public policy class because it gave me an opportunity to explore the “why” of public policy.

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?

> Since graduating from UALR, I left Arkansas State Parks and became an Assistant to the City Manager in Little Rock. After a year, I became the Assistant Director of Parks and Recreation and in 1998, I became the Director. In five years, I would like to still be in the parks’ profession, but working in a larger city or environment.

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

> I truly enjoy working with the community and trying to improve our quality of life. The business I am in changes daily and the opportunities provide excitement and risk, while at the same time create wonderful rewards. Trying to extend beyond the status quo and do new things is what I truly like about this job.

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

> Yes – this degree prepared me for the real word and taught me how to solve problems and confront challenges. The networks and continued support I receive from the University is a huge help.

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

> Stay the course – never ponder, what if? Focus on the small things in life; the big ones will take care of themselves. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, take risks, or make a mistake. Find a mentor.