Graduate Testimonials: Executive MPA

“The value of the Ohio University Executive MPA program can’t be narrowed down to one item. The program helped me improve my research and critical thinking skills. It helped me write more clearly and concisely. It helped me understand different organizations and how to engage them successfully. Overall, it helped me become a better public servant and a valuable asset to my team.

You will graduate with the ability to be a critical thinker and strategist. You will learn to gather the proper data and metrics needed to make good decisions and lead your organization through difficult situations.  

The faculty support was a valuable part of the program. The faculty approaches you as a peer professional, and there is an immediate connection that grows throughout the program. You get the opportunity to discuss actual work situations and ways to navigate successful outcomes.

It's important to keep an open mind throughout the program. The courses that I wasn’t looking forward to became the classes that I enjoyed the most. Specifically, Organizational Theory. It was my favorite class. I learned how organizations operate both effectively and ineffectively. I enjoyed analyzing the various organizations that I engaged with, and I now have the situational awareness to solve problems with favorable outcomes.”

“Every class has had an applicable impact on the work I have been doing. Learning to use logic models has been helpful for program planning and grant applications. Also, understanding how to manage a program or project from beginning to sustainability has been beneficial in helping obtain several federal and state grants, along with continuous opportunities to keep the work growing.”

"I loved the applied education model of the Executive Master of Public Administration program. I was able to immediately relate what I was learning to the workplace. An added benefit was being amongst a cohort of practitioners: I learned from my peers while learning from the professors.

Earning my MPA degree resulted in a career opportunity with my current employer. I use much of what I learned in the Executive MPA’s Performance Management course (balanced scorecard, management through data –  stats programs, Baldrige criteria), as well as the 'strategic triangle' concept to create public value.

I think the EMPA is a terrific option to receive an advanced degree and learn practical concepts to bolster your career."

“The Executive MPA program has been invaluable in shaping who I am today. It helped me discover my calling, strengthened my leadership skills, and gave me the confidence to create meaningful impact in food service and in the communities I serve.

The program strengthened my leadership skills and showed me how to create public value through collaboration and strategic action. I also gained meaningful networking connections that continue to support my professional growth and had outstanding mentors who were always available for guidance and support throughout the program.

Students in this program would do well to be present, ask questions, and never be afraid to make mistakes — each experience is an opportunity to learn and grow.”

“As a graduate of OHIO’s  EMPA Program, I found value in its practical approach to leadership, policy analysis, and cross-sector collaboration, which have been instrumental in my career. In the nonprofit sector, the program’s focus on resource management equipped me with the tools to develop sustainable programs. In city government, I applied lessons in strategic leadership to collaborate with city officials and community stakeholders to implement programs to improve community safety. In county government, I now rely on the program’s teachings in collaborative governance to drive initiatives addressing systemic challenges like poverty and health equity.”

“In the EMPA program, I learned critical thinking and problem-solving skills such as public policy. In my current role, council members look to me for advice when crafting policy and planning, and our classroom practices and discussions were instrumental in how I handle this.  

I learned to build Excel charts for reporting and budgets for financial decision-making, to prepare memos for communication purposes, and to understand the important ethos that comes with being a good public servant.

We had an excellent director who was always available when we needed help or advice, and our instructors were helpful with our assignments. Each instructor had a unique perspective to offer which helped me become who I am today as a public servant and a professional.

It's hard to put into words the positive impact this program had on my life. It will prepare you for the ups and downs and all the in-betweens that come with the noble profession that is public service.”

“The EMPA was a really good fit for me as someone working full time. We had our first kid right after my second semester, so it was juggling full-time work, being a husband, a new dad, and a grad student. The professors and staff made learning about the in-depth policy analysis and exposure to other aspects of public service fit seamlessly into my life.  

The faculty take a real interest in your profession and strive to shape the lessons into your professional context. We had a wide array of public servants and non-profit professionals from vastly unique backgrounds and industries, and nearly every lesson had aspects that applied to all of us.

Don’t be nervous about time management. The program is constructed to fit into your life as is. Sure, there might be a few late nights, but overall, the faculty have built the program to be well-suited for working professionals.”

“The Executive MPA program brings together professionals from diverse organizations and diverse viewpoints. Getting to know these people and hearing their perspectives through the various classes helps you to understand that even when we all agree on the necessity of something, we have different ideas about the right way to go about it. This is really helpful when dealing with allies from 32 nations and military officers from multiple branches.”

“The public finance and budgeting class I took during my Executive MPA program was very applicable to my career. I think it is important to have a basic understanding of capital stacks and public finance for any career within the public administration field, and the budgeting class certainly helped prepare me for this.  

In addition, the public-private partnership course was of great value to me. I still talk about it! Having a solid understanding and foundation of how they work was invaluable to my role as economic developer. I've used the lessons from the EMPA often in my job.

For potential students, I would emphasize the real-world application the EMPA offers which is ideal for working professionals. It was helpful to use examples from my job for class projects. Doing so helped me to fully comprehend and implement theories and best practices taught in the program in my day-to-day work.”

“I can say without hesitation that OHIO’s Executive MPA was one of the best investments I’ve made in my public service career. The flexibility of the hybrid format allowed me to continue serving as Director of HR & Training for the Franklin County Clerk of Courts while advancing my education. Meeting once a month at the Dublin, OH campus allowed me to collaborate with other dedicated public servants, exchange ideas and form a professional network that continues to support me today.  

Throughout my EMPA program, I developed stronger policy analysis and organizational management skills, which have helped me design more efficient processes and improve departmental outcomes. Perhaps most importantly, I learned how to connect theory to practice, taking classroom concepts and using them to address real challenges.

OHIO’s MPA faculty and staff were deeply supportive, always available via virtual office hours and committed to helping me connect theory and practice. The low student-to-faculty ratio meant my voice was heard, and the curriculum, especially courses like Statistics and Grants, challenged me to think bigger and lead with greater confidence.

Earning my MPA gave me credibility, both within my organization and across the broader public sector. That combination of knowledge, relationships and recognition has allowed me to lead new initiatives, improve departmental efficiencies and engage more effectively in high-value partnerships across county and municipal levels.”

“Understanding the ways that public administrators interpret laws and serve as the backbone of our federal and local government has been incredibly eye-opening for me. I have a more holistic insight to current events and [am] better prepared to navigate my own work environment.

As someone who works as an NGO public servant in both the Indo-Pacific and European theatres, I am engaging in cross-agency collaboration with U.S. federal agencies and our international partners daily. The skills that I learned during the EMPA program have given me the confidence to handle these situations with ease and affluency.  Ultimately, I am better able to support U.S. service members deployed overseas because of the knowledge I gained from my MPA degree.”

“I appreciated that the EMPA program brought together a wide variety of professionals in public service. It created valuable opportunities to connect, exchange ideas, and learn from the diverse experiences of others in the field. I was able to connect with other professionals who worked across the state. The professors shared extensive knowledge drawn from their own careers and experiences in public service, which created a well-rounded and practical learning experience.

Through the program, I gained valuable skills in leadership, Excel, communication, and public speaking. These tools have equipped me to better support my team and make a stronger contribution to advancing the organization’s mission.

I felt very supported by the faculty and staff at Ohio University. The professors not only shared their expertise, but also took time to provide guidance, answer questions, and connect course concepts to real-world applications. Their encouragement and accessibility made the learning experience both engaging and manageable. In addition, the program offered resources and a collaborative environment that allowed me to connect with peers, exchange ideas, and build lasting professional relationships.

This program is an excellent opportunity for working professionals. I would highly encourage any public service employee to take part, as it offers meaningful growth and valuable opportunities for personal and professional development.”

“What I valued most about the Executive MPA program was its emphasis on understanding how public policies affect communities differently — and on developing the ability to identify and prevent inequitable outcomes. The program gave me awareness of how data, interpretation, and leadership decisions can disadvantage certain communities. Engaging with classmates from diverse professional backgrounds challenged me to view complex policy issues through multiple lenses and strengthened my commitment to more inclusive, evidence-based decision-making.

The Public Value Toolkit has become a key framework I use regularly as both a law student and a law clerk in a public organization. It strengthened my ability to analyze legal issues through the lens of broader policy impact and community benefit. In distinguishing case law or evaluating policy implications, I now consider how legal outcomes align with — or undermine — public value. This perspective has helped me connect legal reasoning with the practical realities of governance and public service.

The support I received from the Executive MPA faculty and staff was truly exceptional. During my final semester, I was involved in a car accident and sustained a concussion that affected me for several weeks. Their understanding, flexibility, and consistent communication made it possible for me to stay on track and complete my degree on time. That experience showed me how dedicated the program’s leadership is to helping students meet their goals, even in difficult circumstances.

The Executive MPA program challenges you to think critically about leadership, policy, and the role of public service in improving communities. It’s a supportive, collaborative environment that pushes you to grow both personally and professionally. If you’re ready to expand your perspective and strengthen your impact as a leader, this program is an excellent choice.”

"The Executive MPA program at Ohio University is designed to accommodate working professionals, allowing completion alongside family and work commitments. Even more compelling, the program’s key strength lies in integrating academics with practical application, enabling immediate impact on your career.

The program equipped me with essential skills that have directly advanced my career. I learned to process complex information efficiently, enhanced my research and writing capabilities and developed data analysis skills to support informed decision-making. Most importantly, the program provided the foundation for my successful transition from public works to city management.

The Executive MPA program’s strong emphasis on servant leadership provided me with the opportunity to research and write about contemporary issues in local government, enabling me to align academic inquiry with practical application. The fellowship and guidance of faculty, along with the collaboration within my cohort, contributed significantly to my professional and personal development, further reinforcing my dedication to leading through service.

The faculty in the Executive MPA program provided unwavering support throughout my studies. And the valuable career coaching and resume development offered through the Voinovich School, in addition to what I learned from the program, motivated me to pursue a Ph.D. in Organizational Leadership.

I recommend this program to those seeking a rigorous yet flexible path to advance their professional development."

"Teamwork with those who care as deeply as you do about the subject was a core part of the Executive MPA program. The students were all dedicated to doing the best work possible and making sure we all succeeded. There was no weak link in any group I was in. It taught me about who I need in a team to complete a project successfully.

In addition, all of the professors were dedicated to making us better people as we grew and evolved in our careers. No one — not the facility or the students — felt to me like they were there because they had to be. They understood this program required a commitment to more than just being there.

I never had any concerns about approaching the faculty for assistance, clarification or support. Whether that was the professors in the program or those who helped shepherd us through the academic process, I was never at a loss for where to turn if I was struggling with any aspect of the program.

Do not think of the OHIO EMPA as a series of classes you need to take to graduate with a degree. It is nothing like an undergraduate degree, where even the classes in your major can feel disjointed and not related to the others. I was constantly surprised how much I carried forward into each new semester.”

The EMPA interweaves what you learn each semester into the next one, building your knowledge and skills like bricks in a wall. They are organized in a way that rewards you for remembering the skills or knowledge you learned in past semesters and bringing it forward to the latest class.

I give OHIO's EMPA program a great deal of credit for enhancing my ability to research, evaluate and opine on projects my government is considering or actively working on. Not only were the classes tremendous in opening my perspective to new sources and ideas, but also in how to put my thoughts to paper in a constructive way. Even something as simple as writing an email can call upon those skills from time to time and I think a lot about what I learned when those moments happen.”

“The instructors were approachable and provided real-time feedback throughout the program. Many of these instructors have continued to provide me with professional support years later.

The relationships that were made, both with the instructors and the members of my cohort, were the most valuable aspects of this EMPA program. It’s five years after graduation, and the support system is still in place!”

"The leadership knowledge I gained was invaluable. On top of that, as a working professional, being able to complete classes one Saturday a month and do most of the work in the evenings and on weekends allowed me to continue to work full time and apply what I was learning directly to my work. The in-person classes created an opportunity to meet new people and gain new ideas and thoughts. I made so many new connections that have already proven valuable.

One of my papers was on the lack of workforce in broadband and what that could mean for Ohio in terms of loss of funding from federal investments. As a result, I was included in a project with OU and Hocking College to ensure our region of the state was working toward training and workforce needs. The leadership knowledge I gained has helped me become a better project manager. I am more efficient with my time and with the time of those around me.

The highlight of my experience at Ohio University was getting to know the wonderful instructors and all my peers—I have so many connections now!

I wish I would have done the program sooner in my career. Not only has it provided invaluable leadership, project management and speaker engagement techniques, but all those combined have allowed me to find a great job and shine in my field. You cannot go wrong!"

"From the outset, the program impressed me with its comprehensive curriculum, which seamlessly blended theoretical concepts with real-world applications. The faculty members, with their diverse expertise and dedication to student success, fostered an intellectually stimulating environment. Their commitment to cultivating critical thinking and analytical skills has been instrumental in shaping my understanding of public policy, governance and administration.

The ability to learn how data is used in research to formulate logical conclusions has catapulted my career—I can effectively focus on factual information to render decisions rather than personal opinions toward legislation.

I would say, by far, Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service is the most comprehensive program for public administrators. Being named after Senator Voinovich, the dedication to public service is clearly identifiable with its diverse faculty and staff who are focused on helping professionals increase their expertise and become better administrators.

The sense of community within the MPA program is truly exceptional. The faculty, staff and fellow students created a supportive and collaborative atmosphere where everyone was encouraged to share ideas, challenge assumptions and grow together. The networking opportunities provided by the program have been invaluable, connecting me with professionals and graduates who have become mentors and sources of inspiration. My continuous contact with former instructors also played a significant role in my success both as an elected official and government consultant."

“One of the greatest aspects of the EMPA program is the people. From my cohort to my professors, each person created value in a unique and meaningful way that contributed to my overall enjoyment of the program and learning outcomes. The opportunity to work alongside a cohort created a sense of unity and cultivated a team-driven atmosphere. We learned from one another, shared experiences and ideas, and were challenged to think differently. The way in which the curriculum built upon the learning outcomes of the previous courses helped keep me engaged.  

There were several instances where the information we were learning in class translated to real-life scenarios at work. During a leadership course, we discussed various ways to engage and create more resilience within our teams. I tested some of the theories we explored on my teams, and employee satisfaction increased in every department I oversee. During a budgeting course, we learned about the state’s budgeting process in real-time. I was able to apply this knowledge during the most recent budget cycle when I advocated for policy changes and an amendment to support our agency’s operating expenses.

I received an abundance of support from the faculty during my time in the program. I knew I could reach out to my professors at any time, and they were always happy and willing to answer questions and discuss ideas. Most profoundly, one of my professors took time to speak with me about a passion project of mine, completely unrelated to any of our classwork. She instilled a sense of wonder and curiosity in me, allowing me to look beyond my current role and discover ways I could make a greater impact.

This was one of the most amazing educational experiences of my life, and I learned more than I ever could have imagined. The experience transcends beyond the classroom, and you will gain and learn more than the curriculum even intends. I miss my classes to this day!”

"The Executive MPA’s focus on leadership and public analysis has had the most value to me and my career. I gained a better understanding of public policy and how that can drive private sector development, and I was able to immediately apply that knowledge to my current role.

The instructors in the Executive MPA program are fantastic. And the cohort structure was beneficial to hearing a wide range of backgrounds, enhancing what the curriculum taught.

The Executive Master of Public Administration program has opened new opportunities I never would have thought were possible."

“The EMPA program was most valuable because it combined theory with applied practice. It gave me strategic frameworks for leadership, strengthened my ability to evaluate and influence policy, and provided a network of peers and mentors to support long-term goals. While completing my MPA degree, I worked with the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities (ACBDD), and recognized the best practices studied in class as things we were already doing to drive strong leadership and clear vision at the agency. In many ways, my day-to-day at work became a reflection of my coursework.  

One such example is the deeper understanding of the Balanced Scorecard Method and how it can be used to align an organization’s mission, vision and strategic objectives. At the ACBDD, we're already using parts of this framework, and this year, we are developing our Scorecard even further, ensuring our strategic goals remain connected to our mission.

Throughout the EMPA program, I felt consistently supported by both the faculty and my peers. Their feedback pushed me to think critically about my work at the ACBDD and my role as an Athens City Councilwoman. I also benefited from the cohort model, which created a strong network of peers from diverse professional and personal backgrounds. Collaborating with classmates not only enriched my understanding of public administration but also gave me a support system that I continue to value. Collectively, this combination of faculty expertise, academic structure and peer support was instrumental in my success in the program.

My advice to anyone considering the EMPA program at Ohio University is to embrace the applied nature of the coursework. This program is most valuable when you intentionally connect class concepts to your professional life."

"The most valuable aspect of the Executive Master of Public Administration program at Ohio University was the blend of academic rigor and real-world application. Courses were not only taught by accomplished academics, but also by practitioners with extensive field experience. For example, the public budgeting course was led by an instructor who worked in county government finance, providing insights that went far beyond the textbook. That practical, grounded instruction made the course content immediately applicable to my career in public service and union leadership.

As president of the Fraternal Order of Police – Capital City Lodge #9, I’ve been able to directly apply the skills and knowledge I gained through the Executive MPA program at Ohio University. Courses in public budgeting, leadership strategy and public policy analysis have been invaluable in negotiating contracts, managing organizational priorities and advocating for our members. The program didn’t just teach theory; it equipped me with practical tools I use every day in high-stakes union leadership.

Another course that stands out is Research Methods in Leadership and Public Affairs. I was initially intimidated by the statistical component, but it turned out to be one of the most impactful parts of the program. It strengthened my ability to evaluate policies, assess trends affecting public safety, and make informed, data-driven decisions that benefit our officers and the communities they serve.

The faculty support at Ohio University was phenomenal. I found the professors to be approachable, responsive, and deeply committed to student success. When I was struggling with research methods, the instructor went above and beyond by offering after-class tutoring sessions. That support was critical to my achievements and left a lasting impression on me.

Don’t let self-doubt stop you from enrolling. I was nervous returning to the classroom after many years, but the supportive and encouraging environment made me feel like I was on the right path. You’ll form lifelong connections not just with faculty, but with peers who will champion your success every step of the way. I am proud to be a Bobcat and a graduate of the Executive MPA program at Ohio University — an experience that will stay with me for life."