• 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 selected to enter graduate school mid-career between working for the State of Wyoming and the University of Wyoming. The opportunity to obtain the degree was available through the university and I decided to pursue that option.

Any work or internship experience during graduate school?

> I was working full-time for the University when I decided to obtain my degree.

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

> The Policy Analysis coursework has proven most useful.

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?

> I had been Associate Vice President for Administration and Finance for six years prior to obtaining my degree. Since that time, I have taken on responsibility for budget and planning functions at the institution in a new division for Budget and Planning. I am the first Vice President to head up this division.

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

> Given that this is a new unit to the University I have had a tremendous opportunity to shape the planning and budget functions for the institution. Perhaps the most interesting challenge has been developing the first 5-year capital facilities plan for the University.

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

> I do feel that my MPA is helping me make a difference. My division now has time to devote to long range planning for the institution that will hopefully shape the future of the institution.

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

> A graduate program permits an individual to see how policy and practice mix in the world of public service. Whether an individual transitions immediately from an undergraduate program to a graduate program or re-enters graduate school during their working career, the effort, knowledge gained, and experience is rewarding.