50th Anniversary Alumni Stories

City Manager

City of San Marcos, TX

The Texas State MPA program addressed my personal interests and real-world preparation. I finished the program with a strong foundation in writing, critical thinking, public policy, knowledge about how to navigate complex competing interests and ways to work through ethical dilemmas. Perhaps the most important thing I gained were lasting relationships with people invested in my success and my future. The MPA Program at Texas State is amazing and truly made a difference in my career. I encourage students and employees I mentor to enroll in this program every chance I get!  The program is so important to me that I still stay involved by talking with classes when requested and serving on the MPA Advisory Board.  

Assistant Dean of Students

Texas State University 

I believe today as much as I did when I began the MPA program that public administration work is not limited to city halls or state capitols. Public service includes the work that happens at public schools and universities, in law enforcement, judicial services, and much more. The Texas State MPA can provide useful skills, knowledge, and tools for a career in public service. Happy 50th to the MPA program. 

Deputy Chief, Airport Affairs

Department of Aviation | City of Austin

Participating in the TXST MPA program has been one of the most rewarding and gratifying experiences of my adult life and professional experience. I began in 2007, a little more than a year after completing my undergraduate degree in Business at UT Austin. At the time, I was working full-time for the City of Austin and TXST offered both a desirable curriculum and accommodating schedule. I learned quickly in undergrad that public service and public administration were where I wanted to focus my talents, and TXST created that opportunity for me. At times, it became challenging trying to balance graduate school with a full-time job, but the faculty, especially Patricia Shields, Howard Balanoff, George Weinberger, Charles Garofalo, Chris Brown, and Hassan Tajalli ensured mine and every student’s success. I’m grateful to each of them, and still enjoy interacting with some of them to this day.

Director of Policy & Communications

NYC Board of Correction

The MPA program completely changed the trajectory of my career. In addition to forging valuable relationships and expanding my public administration knowledge base, I also developed in-demand research skills which increased my marketability. Wishing the program, a joyous 50th Anniversary!

Chief of Staff

Office of the VP for Research | The University of Texas - Austin

Through the formation of a fundamental public policy and administration knowledge base, and the development of invaluable communication, analytical and management skills, the MPA Program at Texas State unquestionably laid the foundation for my career as a leader in the public sector.

Director of Transformation & Engagement

HHSC Office of Transformation & Innovation

The Texas State University MPA program prepared me for a lifelong public service journey. I am still receiving a significant return on my educational investment because of the well-respected, high-quality, caring professors and administrators who invested in me. Happy 50th! I wish you nothing but continued growth and success.  

Finance Director

Waterloo Greenway Conservancy | Austin, TX

I selected the MPA program at Texas State University because of its schedule flexibility, the friendliness of administration and faculty and the diversity of courses with a study abroad opportunity, that I took advantage of. It was by far, the absolute best educational experience I had. Each course was fun and filled with a wealth of information taught by brilliant professors who were always available for, and cared about, students. The program provided great networking opportunities with the courses being highly interactive. The study abroad program changed my entire perspective about blue green cities, the transportation system and water management.

Assistant Fire Chief

San Antonio Fire Department

The program has been crucial to my success as a practitioner and academic. Moreover, the program has given me the skill set to help bridge the gap between research and practice in my profession.

Management & Program Analyst

FEMA Region 2 | New York, NY

The MPA program was a rewarding experience where I gained valuable statistical knowledge, research skills, and communication skills throughout the program and applied research project. This led me down the road of data analysis in my career, something I would not have been able to do without all of the wonderful professors who helped me along the way. I hope the program continues to prosper and educate new professionals for decades to come.

Associate Director - Internal Audit

Postlethwaite and Netterville (P&N)

The Texas State MPA Program has been an instrumental catalyst in my 20-plus years of career progression in the public sector. Specifically, the curriculum provided solid learning and great insights to balance my perspective as both a student and working professional. In my current position, I'm best aligned to utilize my vast knowledge and professional experience to my public sector clients as well as those private sector clients working with governmental entities. As a proud alumni, I fully support the MPA Program and offer my unwavering support for continued success! 

Forest Environmental Coordinator

Klamath National Forest | CA

The MPA Program at Texas State was invaluable in helping me start my career in public administration. The program opened doors to an internship with state government and completing the applied research project gave me confidence that I could take on and complete meaningful projects that have the potential to positively impact the public.

Team Leader, Texas Optimization Program (TOP)

Texas Commission on Environmental Quality

The Texas State University MPA program is an intellectually stimulating, academically challenging, and adaptive program that prepares students to meet the diverse demands of public service. The program ensures a steady stream of highly trained professionals that will continue to fill key roles in the country’s second largest state far into the future.

Director of Communications

Harris County Constable Precinct 1

My MPA journey was incredible! Professors were diligent in offering various learning opportunities for me and invested in my success every step of the way. I took courses at the Round Rock Campus, Austin, San Marcos and studied abroad in Barcelona, Spain. The MPA Program allowed me the opportunity to achieve things that I never knew I could, with the support of others and my ambition to succeed. I wish for the program to remain ahead and serve the expansive needs of the public sector and non-profit industry for decades to come.

Public Affairs Specialist

Federal Election Commission

My time in the MPA program at Texas State University was one of immeasurable personal and professional growth. I learned a great deal and gained the confidence and skill to seek out greater opportunities. I have been working in Washington, D.C. for the past 9 years and I rely on skills I honed during my time in the MPA program every day. The MPA program is outstanding, and I wish it and its graduates continued success.

Senior Manager

Office of Civil Rights, Racial Equity & Inclusion | LA Metro, CA

I began the MPA Program in 2004 to grow and advance in my career. Completing the program not only helped me professionally but it has provided me with a network of alumni around the country. I’m so glad I pursued my MPA at Texas State. Congratulations on 50 years

Director of Sales Strategy

MGT Consulting

My experience in the MPA program was invaluable – I discovered my first job in government contracting through the internship program. I hold thanks and gratitude to the MPA program’s professors, who provided me with practical lessons in research methodology, critical analysis, public policy, and organizational management. Happy 50th to the Texas State MPA Program!

Capital Improvement Program Manager

City of Austin Transportation Department

The MPA program at TXST was by far the best experience and most beneficial degree in my career. Since graduating my career opportunities have drastically opened up. The MPA provided me with the required knowledge and basis to apply in the real world and every day I continue to do so. The professors were instrumental in broadening my mindset and thinking outside the box. I recommend the program to anyone with a devotion and interest in public service.

Fiscal Administrator

Office of Workforce Opportunities | State of New Hampshire

After graduating from the Texas State MPA program, I pursued a career in business and economic affairs. I work for the state of New Hampshire as a Fiscal Administrator, where I help run the Office of Workforce Opportunities. Not only did the MPA program help land me an incredibly rewarding job, I also made lasting relationships with other students in the program.

Portfolio Program Manager

Office of Innovation & Technology | VIA Metro Transit

My time in the Public Administration program was both enlightening and life changing. The rigor of this program required a different level of dedication and focus. My entire perception of my core beliefs was equally challenged and equipped to confront the ever-changing environments surrounding our community. To students looking to change the world or find purpose in making the world a better place, I would recommend looking into this program as you are paired with individuals with like and unlike mindsets that will help ignite and keep the flame lit as you embark on the journey of being a trailblazer and change maker.

Lead Associate, Public Partnerships

Save the Children

Since graduating from the MPA program, I had a job offer from the International Non-Profit called Save the Children. I lobby for them in the states of Texas and Arkansas and travel between Austin and Little Rock to advocate for state funding for early childhood education in rural counties. I wouldn’t have been able to get a job like this had I not developed the communication and presentation skills emphasized by the MPA program. I wish the program a very happy 50th anniversary!

Environmental Scientist

U.S. Army (Civilian)

The TX State MPA program holds such a special place in my life. I came to TX State in 2007 from Tennessee specifically because of the benefits I saw in the school and the MPA program. I gained life-long friendships with my fellow graduate colleagues and professors. I use the foundation and skills learned at TX State every single day in my current job as an environmental scientist for the Federal Government.

Deputy Director

M.D. vs. Abbott Monitoring Team

Every course I enrolled in directly contributed to my professional career, providing added knowledge that helped me be successful. With approachable professors, applicable subject matter, relevant real-world discussions, and robust challenge coupled with firm support - the Texas State University MPA program was precisely the right fit for me. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for focused attention and professional development. Wishing this program a happy 50th anniversary.

Deputy Officer

Project Connect | Austin, TX

I am most grateful for the lifelong connections I made during the MPA program with my fellow students who are now fellow colleagues all throughout the Central Texas region. Proud to be affiliated with a program that will continue to grow tomorrow’s leaders who will help our region thrive!

Deputy Director of Research

Texas Office of Court Administration

The knowledge attained, and relationships built while in the MPA program provided me with many opportunities and the foundation for my current role. Faculty and staff truly value their students and do all they can to ensure their success. It is inspiring to see the great things former students are doing in their communities as a result of their MPA. I look forward to hearing about the wonderful things future MPA graduates will do in the public service sector. 

Budget Analyst

My time in the Master of Public Administration program prepared me professionally for advancement in my career. I am grateful to have made so many connections through my classmates, professors and MPA networking events. I found mentorship from each of my professors who genuinely cared about my success in and outside of the classroom. Congratulations to the program on reaching 50 years! I look forward to seeing many more years of a successful program.