Can you tell us about your professional journey and current position?
Went to Western Carolina for political science and history and knew that continued education should be the next step; visited several schools - visited App State and interviewed for a Resident Director position and found out the MPA program was a great program, and at the time didnt’ know App was so well known for city and county management. City management seemed interesting and there was a lot of potential - everything fell into place. Familiar with App because family went there. Found out I could have a greater impact on local government than I ever could with federal or state government. 21 years working in local government and haven’t looked back. Internships with Caldwell County in the planning department, learned a lot in this experience, but had to do a second internship in Yadkinville and was exposed to a lot of different areas in local government. Offered position for Town Administrator for a town in Pitt County - interviewed over the weekend and started the job on Monday. Stayed there for almost 5 years and decided that I accomplished enough that I promised the board and wanted to begin a family, so we decided to move back West to the Gaston County area. 10 years is a long time in one organization - I wanted something different. Promoted to Assistant City Manager of Gastonia for a year, and has been City Manager of Gastonia for 4 years.
What contributed to your decision to pursue an MPA degree?
Pursued an MPA degree because the undergrad degrees would lead to teaching, and teaching was not what I wanted to do. I wanted to do more and be involved in a government type career and didn’t get that from undergrad in a way to contribute the way I needed to.
How did the App State MPA program prepare you to work in government, nonprofit, or the private sector?
Coursework of course and everything we had to do to understand what happens on a day to day basis with budgeting and personnel, but also your peers prepare you - particularly in-service peers. The alumni association and the conferences I had while in school impacted me because I wanted to be a part of that. I could tell how much reward it seemed to work in local government. Great professors.
What advice would you give to individuals considering the App State MPA program?
It will improve your position for upward mobility. Higher education degree will likely get you more attention when job seeking; it’s a little different when you are entering the MPA degree not right out of college - after being removed from college, I think things like the GRE would be pretty tough, so maybe start young and do it earlier rather than later.
If hiring, what would you look for in new graduates of the App State MPA program?
Any practical experience, definitely look at internships and what you were able to accomplish; any kind of certificate or anything you can have that you leave with is beneficial; if you can come away with anything tangible, do that. During your work and internships, any grants you have been able to work on, etc. Things we work on in a practical setting, being well-rounded, understanding budgeting, public safety, and utilities. Understanding what local government is and how important it is day in and day out for citizens. Understanding community is very important - immerse yourself in the community. Do everything to improve where you are at. Means a lot for the people you are working for and with.