On Friday, September 6th, Appalachian State University celebrated the 25th Anniversary of its MPA program at a reception held in Boone, North Carolina. Those in attendance celebrated the program’s continued success in graduating over 400 and employing over 100 leaders in municipalities and counties across the United States. Chancellor Peacock also shared words of appreciation about the program’s success. The program concluded with eleven students accepting scholarships through the Appalachian State University Local Government Alumni Association.

“The 25th Anniversary Reception was a great night for the program – old friends were reacquainted, new friendships were made, and we were all reminded of the extraordinary careers and contributions that our alumni continue to make in North Carolina, across the country, and around the world. The program is truly blessed to have such wonderful alumni who give so much to the students, the program, and their communities. They are truly an inspiration,” stated Mark D. Bradbury, Ph.D. Director of the MPA program.

The Master of Public Administration (MPA) degree at Appalachian State University, a NASPAA accredited program, has been in continuous operation since being approved by the University of North Carolina Board of Governors in 1988. Beginning in 2001, the MPA program has also been delivered in various metropolitan areas in Western NC including Hickory, Winston-Salem, Morganton, and Gastonia. The degree is designed to offer graduate-level professional training in Public Administration and management to in-service and pre-service students. The program prepares individuals for careers in the public service by offering advanced training in public sector management, including training in financial, personnel and strategic management. The curriculum is designed to provide students with the appropriate base of knowledge, skills and values needed to be effective managers and/or evaluators of public sector agencies and programs.

To further support the program, in 1991 alumni founded the Appalachian State University Local Government Alumni Association (ASULGAA). The association supports Appalachian State alumni and hundreds of MPA and TACCM (Town and City/County Management) students by providing scholarships, peer networking, and professional development. While the program’s early focus was the development of local government managers, the association membership and direction of the academic programs have now grown into multiple disciplines within local government. It is also the purpose of the Association to support the academic programs at Appalachian State to teach and train future local government leaders.

Toby Linville, Immediate Past President of the Appalachian State University Local Government Alumni Association states, “This program is unique in that it was designed to fully prepare students to lead local governments. As alumni it gives us great pride to have a link to the university which provides annual interaction with the students and faculty of the program. We are afforded an opinion in the direction of the program which ultimately supplies our local governments with qualified managers.”

Annually the ASULGAA holds a fall conference in Boone, North Carolina. This year, the weekend kicked off with a golf tournament followed by a day of professional development and an opportunity for the students to interact with alumni. Through this networking, students are able to identify potential internships and employment opportunities. The money raised through generous sponsorships, dues and fees was applied to future scholarships for students furthering their education and exhibiting a passion for entering public service.

- - -

For further information on the MPA Program at Appalachian State University contact the Director, Mark Bradbury at bradburymd@appstate.edu or ASULGAA President Chris Koltyk at ckoltyk@ci.jacksonville.nc.us