|
"Pursuing an MPA degree at Villanova presented
me with the opportunity to learn from amazing faculty who are not only
knowledgeable about their subject, but have a passion for it as well.
Every faculty member made themselves available to the students, and
offered practical advice and counsel in both the academic and career
environments. Interaction with fellow students from diverse backgrounds
and with varied interests also enriched my academic experience. The most
rewarding aspect of my education at Villanova was that it presented me
with a chance to learn more about myself, and how I can use this
education to make a difference wherever my professional life takes me."
Carolyn McCreary, May 2008
Township Manager, Plumstead
Township
|
|
"My experience in the MPA program at Villanova has
been invaluable. The mix of experienced academics and practitioners is
the perfect balance for learning public administration theories and best
practices. As a working professional it helped develop my skills and
gave me the necessary tools to pursue my career goals. It also
facilitated the establishment of strong networks with my peers. I
commend the faculty of the MPA program for giving me such a positive
experience!"
Rick
Mellor, May 2008
Township Manager, Lower Moreland Township |
|
“The Master of Arts in Public Administration
Program at Villanova University is an exceptional one. What makes the
program unique are the special backgrounds of the professors and the
diverse work experiences of the students in our program. I cannot stress
enough how many of the theories and material that were presented in
class become relevant in the work arena, whether you’re in non-profit or
government. Furthermore, the students in the program help reiterate
these theories by sharing their work experiences in the classroom. The
professors in the program did a phenomenal job fostering participation
and an environment in which students learn from each other, which makes
the program even more enriching. My internship experience also
contributed to much of my learning, where I was able to connect textbook
material to hands-on experiences. Lastly, the MPA program helped me
grow professionally by providing me with the necessary tools to help me
decide what kind of leader I would like to be and how to exercise those
skills to be an outstanding one.”
Khloe
Williams, May 2008
Assistant
to the Development Director, The Wellness Community of Philadelphia |
"Villanova's MPA program provides everything a graduate student
could want - excellent faculty, a strong sense of community, preparation for the
future, and a sincere investment in its students. Beyond my degree, I developed
lifelong friendships with both my fellow students and the dynamic faculty. I
encourage any potential graduate student to seriously consider attending
Villanova's MPA program. As a proud alumni, I look forward to representing
Villanova throughout my career."
Aaron Bibro, May 2007
Government & Community Affairs Coordinator, Comcast
|
"Choosing to pursue an MPA at Villanova was one of the best decisions
I have ever made. Classes are taught by an extremely knowledgeable
faculty who genuinely care about the success of students. While
achieving a firm foundation in the discipline of public administration
students are also given the freedom to tailor their learning to suit
their individual needs. During my time at Villanova I was able to
undertake a series of interesting internships which allowed me to gain
practical understanding of the theories I was learning in class. I would
thoroughly recommend the program to anyone who is interested in pursuing
a career in public service."
Matthew Baird, December 2006
Vascular Policy Manager, UK Department of Health (Faststream) |
"Villanova's MPA program was everything I hoped for and more. I chose
Villanova's program for the range of elective courses that would meet my
professional needs. The ability to focus course research in public health and
obesity prevention gave me both a health and government background. The chance
to work on research and evaluation projects, present at conferences and interact
with professionals, were just a few of the opportunities available to me at
Villanova. Faculty in Villanova's MPA program are extremely knowledgeable and
some have decades of experience as practitioners. I would highly recommend the
MPA program at Villanova to anyone interested in pursuing a Masters degree."
Robyn Ricketts, May 2006
Active Communities Coordinator
Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition and Activity |
"The MPA program at Villanova provides students with a superior foundation in
the theories of public service. Additionally, Villanova has done an excellent
job in recruiting a faculty comprised of not only academics, but professionals
from local government, federal government, and non-profit organizations. Because
of this, students are not restricted to simply learning from text; they are
instead treated to the stories of both successes and mistakes that faculty has
experienced. This makes for a well-rounded graduate student capable of
effectively assuming a role in a field of their choosing, wary of both the
gallantries and pitfalls potentially ahead of them. Further, the internship
program provides students the opportunity to gain sound professional
relationships and real-life experience doing tasks of actual importance in their
respective organizations.
Keith Truman, May 2005
Assistant Manager,
Borough of Perkasie, PA
|
"Villanova's MPA program is top-notch! Not only does a student learn the
foundations of the field of Public Administration, but he or she also learns how
to link those theories pragmatically to one's working environment. This program
caters to all students from the college graduate to the working professional.
The faculty is top-rate and extremely helpful in guiding you on your career
path. Overall, the program is spectacular and I would recommend it to anyone who
is interested in reaching his or her career goals!"
Amanda Ostrander, May 2004
Crofford Management Fellow
Radnor Township, PA
|
"The Villanova MPA program surpassed all of my expectations. Dr. Wheeland and
the faculty were incredibly supportive. The classes were dynamic and the course
topics were relevant for working professionals. It was such a positive
experience, I am glad I chose Villanova."
Jennifer M. Doyle, May 2004
Manager of Adult Learning and Workforce Development
Honickman Learning Center
and Comcast Technology
|
“I found the MPA program to be exactly what I was looking for, both
academically and in preparation for a professional career. The program offers
courses that challenge the students while prepare them for future careers. The
program offers students many professional and valuable opportunities through the
management internship program. I found the faculty to be one of the best parts
of the program. I have never met a more dedicated group of individuals who truly
want to see a student succeed. I believe the MPA program has prepared me quite
well for my future career in government service. I would enthusiastically
recommend the program to anyone who is interested in government or non-profit
work.”
Ryan C. Heffernan, May 2004
Presidential Management Fellow: Intelligence Analyst
Federal Bureau of
Investigation
|
"Earning my master's degree in public administration at Villanova University
was a wonderful experience. The caring and professional faculty prepared me well
for a future career of service. Interacting with quality students from diverse
backgrounds challenged me and made the program even more rewarding."
Matthew J. McKenzie, May 2004
Lieutenant
United States Navy
|
"The MPA program provides graduate students with a well developed theoretical
foundation of knowledge in many aspects of management and administration theory.
Additionally, the program incorporates a practical internship that allows
students to apply acquired knowledge to real-life situations. The courses
offered in the MPA program are not only interesting, the information learned in
each class can be easily used by managers or leaders of any type of
organization. I recommend this program to anyone without hesitation."
Alexander Henderson, May 2004
Executive Manager
Lafayette Ambulance and Rescue Squad
King of Prussia, PA
|
"During the MPA application process I met with Dr. Wheeland. We discussed
career options. He told me about the Presidential Management Fellowship (PMF)
program (United States Government) and encouraged me to apply. As fate would
have it, two years later on the day of my graduation from Villanova I officially
became a PMF."
J. Bryan Smith, December 2003
Presidential Management Fellow: Training Officer
Department of Veterans
Affairs
|
"Villanova's MPA program provides students with the real tools needed in
government today: policy analysis, financial management and ethics to name a
few. The professors are well versed in their field, committed to their students
and public service. The class schedule is flexible, allowing me to work full
time and attend class. I firmly believe that the concepts and skills learned in
the MPA program enhance my everyday performance as well as my resume."
Christina M. Graff, December 2002
Program Management Specialist
USDA Food & Nutrition Service
|
"In class, it was explained that one enters graduate school with the
technical expertise gained at the undergraduate level - for me, this was
journalism. To acquire a Master of Public Administration was to add to that
technical foundation a broad-based professional perspective on issues such as
management, policy, ethics, statistics, decision-making, and community service.
Villanova's MPA curriculum enables each student to master the field while
focusing on areas of individual interest and the degree is wide enough to
encompass career pursuits in government, non-profits and academia. Armed with my
MPA, I continue to use the skills gained from a BS, and have the real
opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. Is the MPA valuable? Exponentially."
Melanie Terburg, September 2002
Communication Associate
Villanova University
|
"The Villanova MPA program provides the right environment for anyone
interested in public service. Valuable internships can be found that further
your course work and future career goals. The faculty are very supportive and
share many insights in the various fields of interest. The course work provides
a solid foundation for any future public administrator by providing you with
broad spectrum of knowledge. But beyond that, the size of the program allows for
a great deal of sharing with fellow students and the faculty which makes
Villanova unique. There is a real camaraderie that fosters a great academic
environment. The friendships I have made during my time in the program have been
invaluable. I recommend the Villanova MPA without hesitation."
William Martin, December 2001
Assistant Finance Director
Radnor Township, PA
|
"I cannot say enough about the positive experience I had in the Villanova MPA
program. Opportunities to challenge myself were always readily available, and I
was aided by a supportive faculty and a collaborative learning environment. The
academic program provided a solid background in public management that is
relevant in any field. But not only did the program focus on the essential
skills, the associated theory, and the interwoven history of public management,
it taught me to consider the overarching importance of ethics in relating to
others in the professional realm. These elements I was able to apply to my
invaluable internship experience, and will be able to utilize throughout my
career."
Meredith Fretz, December 2001
Assistant Township Manager
Middletown Township, PA
|
"Villanova's MPA program prepared me for my professional career by helping me
build a foundation of knowledge in the theory, history, and practices of public
administration, and enhanced that foundation through the real-world applications
of my internship."
Gina Delmont, May 2001
Staff Assistant
American Association for Cancer Research
|
"Villanova’s MPA program has been an enriching and rewarding experience for
me professionally and personally. My internships coupled with the broad and
challenging curriculum has provided me with the tools necessary to succeed in
the complex world of local public administration."
Bradley Boyd, May 2000
Assistant Township Manager
Doylestown Township, PA
|
"The MPA program at Villanova is perfect for any stage of your academic
career - be it straight-out of undergraduate school, a few years out of college,
or mid-career. I liked being in a program where everyone knew each other and the
faculty wanted to see you succeed academically and professionally."
Veracelle Vega, May 1999
Presidential Management Intern
Social Security Administration
|
"I learned a great deal in the MPA program. I felt challenged and I have a real
sense of accomplishment by completing a masters program in an area I have real
interest in. I am a better person for this experience and thankful for having
had the opportunity."
Kevin Wall, May 1999
Major
US Marine Corp
|
"The public administration program thoroughly challenged and excited me. It is
both intellectually rigorous and provides practical training. I feel
tremendously well-prepared to enter into a Ph.D. program in public
administration. In addition, the program provided many skills I use today in my
position, including training in personnel issues, governmental relations, legal
and contract issues and others."
Karen Isaacs Beaudway, May 1997
Technical Recruiter
PEAK Technical Services
|
"Being a working professional, the public administration program really met my
needs. It gave me the credentials I need to further my career."
Gary Daugherty, May 1995
Fire Chief - Mercerville County, NJ
|
"Dr. Wheeland gave me special attention to help me prepare for my interview.
This program prepared me for the daily things I encounter in working with the
Commonwealth."
Monique Hales, May 1995
Management Intern - Governor's Public Administration Management Intern Program
Harrisburg, PA
|
"The active encouragement of an internship yielded a lot of networking and was
invaluable in attaining this position. Combined with solid classroom teaching,
the program provided a very well- rounded education."
Thomas Ryan, December 1994
Township Planner
Towamencin Township, PA
|
"Studies within the public administration program provided me with a complete
theoretical and practical knowledge base, enabling me with the skills and
confidence I need in working to fulfill my organization's mission."
Brent E. Haddix, December 1991
Program Administrator
Philadelphia Leadership Foundation
|
