School of Professional Studies

Seven Reasons to Level Up Your Career in Public Administration

Brieanne Young — Wed, 27 Mar 2024 14:49:01 +0000

In today’s dynamic and complex world, effective governance and administration are indispensable for the well-being of societies. The ��Ƶ MPA Senior Leadership MPA Program stands as a crucial gateway for individuals aspiring to lead in the public sector and nonprofit organizations. Here are seven critical reasons for choosing the ��Ƶ MPA Senior Leadership Program.

1. Specialized Expertise

The ��Ƶ MPA Senior Leadership Program equips graduate students with specialized knowledge and skills essential for navigating the intricate landscape of public administration. From policy analysis to financial management, students gain a comprehensive understanding of public sector operations, allowing them to make informed decisions and implement effective strategies. This expertise is invaluable in addressing contemporary challenges such as economic inequality, environmental sustainability, and social justice.

2. Leadership Development

Effective leadership lies at the heart of successful public administration. Through coursework, and experiential learning, the Senior Leadership program cultivate leadership qualities such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making. Graduates of this program emerge as visionary leaders capable of inspiring teams, fostering collaboration, and driving organizational change in pursuit of public interest objectives.

3. Policy Innovation and Implementation

Public policies shape the fabric of societies, influencing everything from healthcare and education to infrastructure and social welfare. With the Senior Leadership MPA, individuals gain the knowledge and tools necessary to develop innovative policies that address emerging challenges and meet evolving societal needs. Moreover, they learn how to navigate bureaucratic hurdles and effectively implement policies, ensuring their intended outcomes are achieved.

4. Advocacy and Social Justice

The MPA Senior Leadership program instills a commitment to social justice and equity, empowering graduates to advocate for marginalized communities and promote inclusive policies. Whether combating systemic discrimination or advancing human rights, Senior Leadership alumni are equipped to champion causes that enhance the well-being of all citizens. This emphasis on social responsibility is fundamental to fostering a more just and equitable society.

5. Public-Private Collaboration

In an era of increasing interdependence, collaboration between the public, private, and nonprofit sectors is essential for addressing complex societal challenges. MPA Senior Leadership graduates possess the skills to facilitate partnerships, negotiate agreements, and leverage resources across diverse stakeholders. By bridging sectoral divides and fostering cooperation, they contribute to more effective and sustainable solutions to pressing issues.

6. Public Service Ethos

At its core, public administration is about serving the public interest and upholding democratic values. The Senior Leadership program instills a strong sense of civic duty and public service ethos in students, motivating them to pursue careers dedicated to making a positive difference in society. Whether working in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or international institutions, MPA Senior Leadership graduates are driven by a commitment to the common good.

7. Career Advancement

Earning a ��Ƶ MPA can significantly enhance career prospects and open doors to a wide range of opportunities in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Whether aspiring to roles in government administration, policy analysis, nonprofit management, or consultancy, MPA graduates are in high demand for their unique blend of skills and expertise. Furthermore, the Senior Leadership program offers networking opportunities and professional development resources to support graduates in advancing their careers.

Obtaining a ��Ƶ Master’s in Public Administration is of paramount importance for individuals aspiring to lead and make a meaningful impact in the realm of public service. Through specialized expertise, leadership development, and a commitment to social justice, Senior Leadership graduates are equipped to address complex challenges, foster collaboration, and advance the common good.

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Keeping pace with unprecedented change

Brieanne Young — Mon, 25 Mar 2024 14:46:25 +0000

Change is a constant for career professionals in public administration and nonprofit agencies. Budgets get cut, leaders move on, and policies evolve. However, the pace of change is accelerating, and the complexities are growing.

“Technology is one of the reasons, but there are also societal changes that are happening at an accelerated rate,”

says Mary Piecewicz, Director of the Master of Public Administration Senior Leadership (MPA-SL) at ��Ƶ.

The ��Ƶ MPA for Senior Leaders is designed to help municipal and nonprofit professionals keep pace. Its flexible, low-residency design combines online learning with regular in-person sessions, making it a manageable fit for working professionals looking to expand their skills and advance their careers.

Students attend from across New England. “Their most immediate concern is staying relevant, including keeping up with new technologies, best practices, and emerging management trends,” Piecewicz says. “They also see the opportunities that retirements and defections to higher-paying private sector jobs are creating.”

Addressing workforce, media, and housing challenges

At the heart of the degree requirements in the MPA-SL program is the capstone project each student completes with the guidance of a faculty member. According to Piecewicz, students choose challenges they are passionate about for their capstone. “Most have a common theme – improving the public good,” she says.

Recent submissions underscore the growing complexity of the challenges facing municipal and nonprofit leaders.

In their capstone, program graduates Jessica Feldman and Drew Russo investigate how Gateway Cities in Massachusetts – midsize urban centers that anchor regional economies around the state – can build a representative workforce. Their research identified “unnecessary barriers to employment, such as inflexible degree requirements, which pose an obstacle to building municipal workforces reflective of the populations they serve.” Feldman and Russo propose a critical re-thinking of recruitment and retention strategies, including “revised hiring criteria and offering opportunities for continuous education in order to recruit and retain employees that represent the cultural and generational diversity of these communities.”

Clare Robbins’ capstone examines Worcester’s changing media landscape and its effect on political participation, zeroing in on how the demise of local newspapers and journalism in Worcester may contribute to a declining interest in local politics and elections. Her recommendations include “engaging with residents through social media, and residents promoting transparent journalism.”

In her capstone, graduate Sen. Robyn Kennedy makes the case for adopting a Housing First approach in Massachusetts to serve families who are experiencing homelessness. Otherwise, “the state will continue to only serve families once they have exhausted all their resources and assets.” Kennedy proposes “a new model in which the state addresses barriers to sustainable housing and implements a model whereby families are able to fully access resources that prevent housing instability and thereby forego the need to access emergency shelter.”

Learning that aligns with national trends

Topics explored through MPA-SL capstones represent issues that are a priority across the United States and around the globe. The International City Management Association says new technology, a global pandemic, a warming planet, and political and social instability have “dramatically and forever altered the conditions in which local governments operate.”¹ Martha Fedorowicz of the Urban Institute and Sarah Weller Pegna of the National League of Cities recently wrote that “every day, cities across the country confront complex, interconnected issues spanning health, housing, workforce development, and climate change.”²

The MPA-SL program at ��Ƶ has a graduation rate of 98%, and 62% of alums secure higher-level jobs within a year of receiving their degree. To learn more about the program, visit clarku.edu/mpasl.

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MPA Senior Leadership Cohort Gathers for Collaborative Problem-Solving

Brieanne Young — Mon, 29 Jan 2024 15:42:34 +0000

MPA for Senior Leadership convenes in Newport, RI

Recently students in the low-residency MPA for Senior Leadership program convened in Newport, RI for an in-person session.

Over two days, graduate students engage with Dr. Paula Martin & Edward Byrne, MBA during a presentation entitled “What’s your why in DEI?” and Drew Russo, MPA, & Bridget Quinn, Public Employee Unions for “Our partners in serving the public.”

About the Program

��Ƶ’s Master of Public Administration Senior Leadership program is designed for experienced public sector and non-profit leaders who seek to accelerate their careers and expand their capacity to make a positive impact in their communities.

The flexible low residency program blends online learning with regular in-person sessions, making it a perfect fit for working professionals. In-person residency sessions focus on collaborative discussions focused on key issues faced by today’s public sector and non-profit leaders. Discussions are led by expert faculty, and allow students to expand and strengthen their personal and professional networks.

Alumni Kristen Gutierrez Livoti ’24 says she has “already applied the analytical frameworks she learned in her courses” to her present role as Director of Engagement for Mechanic’s Hall in Worcester.

Students also highlight the many advantages of working in close collaboration with a cohort of similarly passionate people. Alumni Dan Benedict 24’ emphasizes that he “learned as much from his peers as from his instructors”.

Applicants come from diverse backgrounds and occupations, including elected officials, town and city administrators, first responders, and non-profit agencies. Students are exposed to professional perspectives and form lasting networks that are instrumental to any future leader.

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Connecting Actionable Insights

Brieanne Young — Tue, 12 Dec 2023 21:27:41 +0000

Praveen Zirali decided to pursue his master’s degree at ��Ƶ for reasons you might expect: the excellent data analytics program and an academic experience that included experiential learning through internships.

Praveen Zirali, M.S., Data Analytics ’23

But another reason ��Ƶ stood out for Zirali is not so obvious. “I’m an introvert,” he says. “I liked that ��Ƶ was a smaller school with smaller class sizes. That leads to better interactions with professors.”

Beyond the classroom, Zirali praises ��Ƶ’s welcoming community. “When choosing a university, there should be many considerations beyond academics,” he says.

“How will the school contribute to your holistic development? What is the campus environment like? Is the school inclusive? Does it embrace diversity? I think ��Ƶ is very good on all these things.”

Zirali also praises ��Ƶ’s interdisciplinary curriculum. “Problems today are multidisciplinary,” he says. “Having interdisciplinary knowledge helps you solve real problems. ��Ƶ gives you an opportunity to have an interdisciplinary approach in your education.”

Even before receiving his degree, Zirali had earned a coveted job.

“My capstone project gave me hands-on experience with data analytics tools used in the real world.”

“Now I’m working as a data scientist at a healthcare startup,” he says, “[We’re] trying to reduce cancer outcomes by understanding the reasons for rising incidences of the disease from past data and increasing screenings, especially in vulnerable groups.”

As it turns out, the founder of Zirali’s company is a ��Ƶ graduate, too. He reached out to her via ��Ƶ Connect, the school’s alumni connection page.

Zirali says the coursework at ��Ƶ aligns with student interests and career goals. “The courses are ever-evolving,” he says. “Every semester, they add new classes based on industry practices. They’re always trying to make the program more hands-on and industry-oriented.””

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Source of Pride Back Home – Finding IT Success in the U.S.

Brieanne Young — Thu, 02 Nov 2023 13:47:44 +0000

Venkat Peram M.S., Information Technology ’22

When Venkat Peram was named an instructor in the School of Professional Studies at ��Ƶ, the news spread fast back home.

“I come from a small village in India, so becoming a teacher in the United States is a big moment for me and my family, and a source of pride for our community,” he says.

Is Peram enjoying his transition to the new role? “Trust me, it is a divine feeling to teach. I’m grateful to ��Ƶ for allowing me to offer a course that is quite different,” he says.

“My students are gaining timely knowledge on cloud applications, and it’s going to be a game-changer for them,” Peram says this opportunity underscores how open and supportive ��Ƶ is. “If you have a good idea, they will provide the platform for you to implement it.”

“If you are innovative and creative, ��Ƶ is the place for you.”

Working with the School of Professional Studies is the latest in Peram’s stream of achievements at ��Ƶ. “Have I had ‘aha’ moments at ��Ƶ? Yes! I finished my master’s degree in one year, organized the first cricket tournament in ��Ƶ’s history, introduced new initiatives as a Student Peer Advisor, secured a full-time job, and now I’m working in the School of Professional Studies,” he says. “I think I have had more ‘aha’ moments at ��Ƶ than anyone!”

He credits his current success to his experiences at ��Ƶ and Richard Aroian, Assistant Dean at the School of Professional Studies and Peram’s mentor while he was earning his degree. “Coming to the United States is a great learning experience,” he says, “and the work I’m doing now is all because of the exposure I got through ��Ƶ.”

More than one parent in Peram’s native India has asked him where their son or daughter should go to pursue their master’s degree. “I recommend ��Ƶ one hundred percent,” he says. “I tell them ��Ƶ provides the academics and resources you need to land your dream job.”

Or in Venkat’s case, dream jobs.

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Expanding Technical Skills

Brieanne Young — Fri, 13 Oct 2023 18:22:07 +0000

Ali Murtuza M.S., Data Analytics ’23

Ali Murtuza was not your typical master’s degree candidate. He already possessed an advanced degree in embedded systems and had worked for a decade at several leading technology companies. Murtuza also had a young family to support.

“I was looking for a university that would be budget-friendly because I was funding my education,” he says. “The school needed to have a good reputation and offer the course structure I was looking for.” ��Ƶ checked all the boxes for him.

Having seen the accelerating importance of data in all aspects of business operations, Murtuza enrolled in the data analytics program offered through ��Ƶ’s School of Professional Studies.

“As soon as I saw the course structure, I knew it was the program for me,” he recalls. “It touched all the bases related to data – mathematics, statistics, advanced analytics, Python programming, data engineering, data handling, and how to manipulate the data.”

“I had industry knowledge but I needed to go back to the basics to master technical knowledge. And that’s exactly what the degree at ��Ƶ provided.”

Murtuza says the program’s adjunct professors were among its greatest strengths. “A lot of the instructors are currently working in the industry and can tell you exactly what is going on,” he says. “They were always helpful. Whenever I went to them with a question or for a clarification, they never hesitated with their support.”

The master’s degree let Murtuza add data analytics expertise to the hands-on knowledge he had acquired working as an engineer, business developer, and sales manager for ten years. “When you put all that together,” he says, “you can do magic.”

Additionally, as a citizen of India who was raised in Saudi Arabia, Murtuza credits the Career Services team at ��Ƶ with helping him navigate the job market upon graduation. “My career adviser explained how the employment process works in the United States and helped me build my resume,” he says. “��Ƶ’s Career Services guided me on how to connect with people through networking. I used methods that were very effective – going to events and meeting with people personally.” Very effective, indeed. Murtuza is currently a senior fraud risk strategist with Citizens Bank.

Murtuza also welcomed ��Ƶ’s location, noting that Worcester provides a city experience that is more affordable than Boston. “Boston is only an hour away from Worcester, so networking with people and going to events there is easy,” he says. “As a ��Ƶ student, you can get the Boston experience without living in Boston.”

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��Ƶ receives $5 million workforce training grant from the U.S. Department of Labor

Brieanne Young — Thu, 28 Sep 2023 12:25:58 +0000

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Reaching Your Full Potential at ��Ƶ

Brieanne Young — Wed, 06 Sep 2023 15:14:15 +0000

Muzaffar Kosimov, M.S., Project Management ’23

For Muzaffar Kosimov, earning a master’s degree in project management at ��Ƶ was nothing less than a transformative experience.

“��Ƶ helped me realize my full potential,” he says. “I gained practical experience in my field, which is very important in the job market today. I also built a network of peers, professors, and fellow alumni.”

Kosimov traces his advancement to Strategic Sourcing Specialist at the University of Massachusetts directly back to ��Ƶ. “I had a great experience with Career Services,” he says.

“My adviser reviewed my resume and helped me on my search. I got my job with his guidance and the career management software platform that ��Ƶ made available to me.” Kosimov attributes significant personal growth to his time at ��Ƶ, as well.

“It helped broaden my outlook by connecting me to different types of people with different backgrounds. I’m very grateful for my experience at ��Ƶ.”

��Ƶ’s faculty practitioners were among the top reasons why Muzaffar Kosimov came to Worcester to earn his master’s degree. “The professors at ��Ƶ help students to think out of the box,” he says. “They engage with students on a personal level and provide individualized attention.”

Kosimov also welcomed ��Ƶ’s emphasis on experiential learning. “��Ƶ allowed me to gain practical experience in my field, which is very important in the job market today,” he says. “My internship turned into a full-time position, so it was a great opportunity.”

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MPA-SL graduates ready to serve communities throughout New England

Brieanne Young — Thu, 29 Jun 2023 20:46:10 +0000

The Master of Public Administration Senior Leadership (MPA-SL) program at ��Ƶ, which held a graduation ceremony in May for students in its third cohort, continues to make an impact in communities across New England.

Graduates Clare Robbins, Luis Santos, and David Muradian.

Former graduates of the program range from the principal staff assistant for the City of Worcester and the administrative manager at the Massachusetts Department of Children and Families, to the director of institutional giving at Fenway Health in Boston. This year’s cohort includes public service professionals from Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island.

Offered through ��Ƶ’s School of Professional Studies, the MPA-SL program is designed for administrators in municipal, state, and federal government and nonprofit organizations who are either not inclined or unable to put their jobs on hold to go to graduate school.

According to Executive Director Robert Spellane, the program makes the master’s credential attainable for established professionals who are looking to upskill for leadership roles. “Some organizations give preference for certain positions to candidates with master’s degrees,” Spellane says.

“Our program makes it possible for people to pursue such a degree while attending to the responsibilities and demands of their current job and personal obligations.”

The MPA-SL program is an asynchronous online course of study that offers students the opportunity to learn with peers with similar career backgrounds. Two-day in-person residencies at the start of each semester complement the program’s online design.

For Sarah Nichols, UniServe Director with the Maine Education Association and a city councilor in Bangor, Maine, the mix of in-person and online learning was essential. “The program has an in-person component without requiring you to be in person in a classroom all the time. Being from out of state, finding that balance was critical for me.”

Graduates Drew Russo and Jenny Pacillo.

Drew Russo, Personnel Director for the City of Lynn, chose the MPA-SL program because he wanted to advance his professional skills. He credits his cohort and its range of perspectives for helping him achieve his goal. “The connections I’ve made with colleagues from different political philosophies than mine have helped me become a better public servant,” he says.

The MPA-SL program awards credits for prior learning and encourages students to focus their capstone project on an issue or problem from their own workplace. Members of this year’s cohort were especially grateful for the program’s supportive faculty.

“The faculty are great at opening your mind up to understand how to look at different problems in a new light,” says Massachusetts State Representative David Muradian. “And learning with the residency has been great because you get to travel, not just in Massachusetts where ��Ƶ is, but throughout the New England region, and you’re hearing from industry leaders, and it’s giving you a new perspective.”

“Having those cohort residencies really helped me bond with my peers and learn from them,” Nichols adds.

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School of Professional Studies presents annual awards to students and faculty

Geoffrey Chisholm — Tue, 23 May 2023 01:45:16 +0000

The recipients of this year’s awards for outstanding School of Professional Studies (SPS) students and faculty were announced at a May 19 ceremony held at Razzo Hall as part of ��Ƶ’s Commencement Weekend. The event included undergraduate and graduate honorees.

“The significant growth of the School of Professional Studies is complimented by the excellence of our students and faculty, and the impact they are making on our campus and in our community.”

“It gives me great pleasure to recognize and celebrate this year’s accomplished award recipients,” said John G. LaBrie, dean of the SPS and associate provost for professional education. Anabel Riggio ’22, MPA ’23, was recognized with the Fern Johnson Award, which is given annually to an Accelerated Degree Program student who has excelled in academics and who has also positively influenced their community. As an SPS peer adviser, Anabel mentored other graduate students and helped them with important tasks such as course registration.

Vijay Yadav, MSDA ’23, receives the Laura Myers Community Service Award.

Vijay Yadav, MSDA ’23, received the Laura Myers Community Service Award, which is given to a graduate student who has made significant contributions to the local community through their time, actions, talents, and dedication. Vijay was honored for the educational videos he has created and shared on his YouTube channel, as well as for his work filming a documentary for a non-profit organization in Worcester.

The newest members of two SPS honor societies – the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Graduate Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Lambda Undergraduate Honor Society – were inducted at the May 19 ceremony. Certificates for outstanding academic performance were presented to students with the highest GPA in their major or program, as well.

Three SPS faculty members also received awards, based on votes by their students.

Meredith Corey earned the Fiat Lux Award, which honors an up-and-coming faculty member who embraces new ideas and approaches to teaching.

Edlira Stefani was recognized with the Jonas Gilman ��Ƶ Award, which is awarded to a seasoned faculty member for effectiveness and creativity in teaching. Stefani was a previous recipient of the SPS Fiat Lux Award.

John G. LaBrie, dean of the SPS and associate provost for professional education
presents Meredith Corey the Fiat Lux Award.

Jeremy Kauffman received the Semita Vitae (Path of Life) Award, which recognizes an instructor who has proven to be an extraordinarily conscientious, supportive, and inspiring mentor to advisees.

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