MPA Alumni Snapshots

Current Position & Company

Senior Director of Executive Operations at Encircle

Hometown

Mapleton, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BS Physiology and Developmental Biology, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Watching movies and television at 3x speed, playing sports and games with family and friends, hitting up national parks and Disney parks

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

Attaining a BYU MPA degree opens doors to diverse work areas, all while reinforcing core values of altruism and communal enhancement. Pursuing this degree offered me a chance to pursue a career that would enable me to explore various options while staying true to my passion for serving others.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have had the privilege of working with a diverse range of communities in various capacities, including providing assistance to our senior population, advocating for our LGBTQ+ community, and addressing the immediate basic needs of individuals.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

By leveraging the skills I acquired through the MPA program, I have established myself as a reliable and valuable team member. My colleagues have entrusted me with challenging projects, recognizing my ability to complete tasks effectively and efficiently. I am grateful for the opportunities that have allowed me to showcase my skill set and contribute to the success of our team.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

The MPA program has enriched my life with enduring friendships. Witnessing my peers share their accomplishments and challenges online always brings a sense of shared support and camaraderie. Even more personally, the people I grew particularly close with during the program have remained cherished friends in my life.

Current Position & Company

City Manager, Santaquin City, Utah

Hometown

Genola, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BS Civil Engineering, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Running, snow skiing, boating and waterskiing, camping, hiking, traveling, visiting new places, exploring, spending time with family, working in the yard, walking

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

In order to further my career in public service, I felt that obtaining an MPA would help to open doors that would have otherwise not been opened. As I obtained my undergraduate degree from BYU, I felt that the BYU Marriott School of Business was a great place to obtain my MPA, and so I pursued that.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have been able to make such a big impact on the community I work for by using the knowledge, skills, and connections I was able to make during my Executive MPA program. I feel I learned how to better serve the community in the areas of management, business, legal, financial, and human resource matters, and in so many other areas.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

My MPA skills and knowledge have afforded me with so many opportunities to serve and to excel in my career and in the community that I serve.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I have been blessed to make so many personal and professional connections as a result of attending the BYU Marriott School of Business, and my MPA degree has allowed me to progress in my position.

Current Position & Company

Budget and Financial Plans Officer, Federal Government

Hometown

Stevensville, Montana

Undergraduate Degree

BS Finance, Montana State University

Hobbies & Interests

Skiing, baking, and exploring Washington, DC, with my dog

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I pursued a BYU MPA degree to accelerate my career path and to be better equipped with the skills necessary to make an impact in the public sector.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have helped formulate and justify the budget and policy of relevant causes including mental health services such as crisis services and the 988 hotline that was launched in 2021 in Virginia.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

I have become known for my professional formatting, communication, and design. Other skills I gained in the program include survey design and evaluation, critical thinking and analysis, financial management, and public policy evaluation and writing.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I could not be where I am if it not for those I've rubbed shoulders with or who I met because of our shared alma mater. As I am in the DC area, my closest friends remain those I made during my time in the program. In addition, my faith was fortified while in the program, and I have learned how to be a disciple in the work I do both as a colleague and as a voice for positive change and impact.

Current Position & Company

Portfolio Optimization Manager

Hometown

Orem, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BS Psychology, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Travel, community festivals, community service organizations

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I wanted to improve my ability to add value to the local community and nonprofit organizations.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have been involved in the leadership and membership teams of several local nonprofits and service organizations.

Current Position & Company

Compliance Analyst, Celtic bank

Hometown

Bamako, Mali

Undergraduate Degree

BS Management, University of Bamako

Hobbies & Interests

Reading about finance and economics; biking; running; watching soccer

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I pursue an MPA because the program equips students with tools to work in public or private sector. I hope one day to go back home and serve in Mali government.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I currently work for an industrial Bank that only lends to small businesses through the small business administration (SBA) programs. I was able to work with hundreds of small businesses in Utah and across the United States to get paycheck protection program (PPP) loans as COVID-19 pandemic hit the country. It is satisfying to know that some of the small businesses (restaurants, shops) I walked by in downtown Salt Lake City were able to close and pay their workers for weeks because of the PPP loans they received through Celtic Bank.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

My availability to help with any project, the use of my analytical and communication skills. I help prepare board reports using Microsoft Excel and PowerPoint.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I am able to get a good paying job that allows me to support my family.

Current Position & Company

Research Analyst, State Auditor of Utah

Hometown

Bluffdale, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BA International Relations, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

I love to play the keyboard, drums, and bass, and I'm always learning new songs. I also love to read and am a big fan of the Batman comic books, Star Wars, and all things nerdy.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I wanted a degree that would teach me practical skills as well as increase my awareness of public policy issues and the political environment.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I serve on my local HOA board and am constantly balancing the needs of residents. I've learned how to sort through ethical conflicts and make rational decisions based on a variety of interests.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

I lead a small team and am constantly using the management and interpersonal skills I learned from my MPA degree. I'm also working in data analytics and have to use the hard coding skills I learned from various statistics courses. More than that, I'm always keeping an eye on the political happenings to make sure my team is relevant, effective, and aware of big issues.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I think that my MPA degree taught me balance. I learned how to prioritize my personal life with my professional life and how placing the gospel first always creates a stronger center from which to build. 

Current Position & Company

Client Success Strategist, Simple Citizen

Hometown

Cincinnati, Ohio

Undergraduate Degree

BS Sociology, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Traveling the world, camping, reading, journaling, playing piano, cookie decorating, and spending time with family

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I decided to pursue a BYU MPA because I felt inspired to work in the nonprofit sector. From my sociology background, I knew that I could make a difference by wrestling with complex social issues, but I knew I needed to develop concrete skills to address these specific problems. I knew that the BYU MPA degree focused on skill building, and I was eager to develop as many skills as I could to enhance my ability to make a difference in my community.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

With my MPA degree, I was able to confidently apply and be a successful candidate for a nonprofit development role at the Utah Parent Center, a local nonprofit focused on helping parents of children, youth, and young adults impacted by disabilities and special health care needs to live productive and lives and be included in their communities. In my everyday job, I am applying the skills and knowledge I developed from my classes to aid me in statistical analysis, organizational behavior, nonprofit and relationship management, and fundraising.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

When I received the Buckwalter award for my internship with Village Book Builders (VBB), a nonprofit that empowers communities around the world to end the cycle of poverty through education, I felt empowered to utilize my BYU MPA skills in a real-world environment. While working for this nonprofit, I created the VBB's first development team and worked in relationship management. Using the fundraising knowledge I gained from my MPA classes, I created a fundraising strategy to help raise enough money to build a library at the Dzaleka refugee camp in Malawi. After employing some of the skills I learned in my MPA classes, the fundraiser became a success. Donations doubled after I created social media posts to inform donors what their money would go towards building in the library, such as a certain number of library books or a door. When my boss asked various questions on how to engage board members and how to address specific problems they were facing, I implemented ideas from what I was learning in my MPA classes to help Village Book Builders find solutions.

Current Position & Company

Director of Programs & Impact Evaluation

Hometown

Ulaangam, Mongolia

Undergraduate Degree

BS Business Administration and Accounting , University of Finance and Economics

Hobbies & Interests

Reading, traveling, dancing, doing yoga, playing volleyball, watching comedies and movies with my kids

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I chose the MPA program for this reason: its mission is to prepare global leaders of public service, serving all humanity. After my experience as a clubfoot child's parent, I was inspired to co-establish Beautiful Foot, a nongovernmental organization that brings necessary resources and optimal treatment for Mongolian children. I was able source over 100 braces from Steps Charity International for clubfoot children. As a team, we restored a clinic room of Mongolia's main orthopedic hospital which is used for treating clubfoot other health injuries of kids. While doing this NGO work, I realized the power of teamwork to make a change in our community and contribute to the healthy development of children in Mongolia. However, this organization needed a person who had the qualifications to manage such big dreams. Thus, I pursued an MPA degree to expand my skill set and knowledge to fill this need.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

After graduating from the MPA program, I was employed by the International Rescue Committee as a development coordinator. I served the refugee community in Utah by working with individual and group donors to gather much-needed in-kind resources for refugees resettled by the IRC. I worked with group and corporate volunteers, supervised student interns, and supported broader development initiatives and donor support to fulfill the organization's mission to help "people whose lives and livelihoods shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover, and regain control of their future."

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

Currently, I am employed by Lantuun Dohio, a nonprofit which has a mission is to eradicate human trafficking and protect children from violence, neglect, abuse, and exploitation in Mongolia and around the world. We envision a world in which every child can grow up healthy and happy. I volunteered with them in the past, but now I am working with them to accomplish their goals and mission by utilizing my MPA knowledge and skills, including leadership in program development and management, funding, impact evaluation, and volunteer policies and procedures.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I developed the essential skills of leadership, organizational management, and time management through the MPA program that benefit my life. 

Current Position & Company

Board Member at Coafrica

Hometown

Eugene, Oregon

Undergraduate Degree

BA American Studies, BYU

Previous Experience

Research Associate at Harvard Business School

Hobbies & Interests

International development/education, public policy, hiking/being outdoors, travel, spending time with my husband and five sons

In what ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

The BYU Marriott MPA program has given me unique skills and a network that have increased my capacity to serve and contribute meaningfully in my community. The program opened the door for me to serve in my current position as a board member of an international education nonprofit. When our organization needed to update our fundraising strategy, I tapped into our MPA alumni network to find a mentor with fundraising experience who could walk me through the process. I continue to grow professionally and spiritually by participating in the MPA program's offerings including alumni boot camp classes and devotionals.

Current Position & Company

Budget and Policy Analyst II - City of Norfolk

Hometown

Spanish Fork, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BA Art, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

I absolutely love hiking with my dog and husband, being outdoors in general, and going to the beach. In my free time, I also enjoy painting, drawing, and growing an indoor garden of house plants.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I pursued an MPA degree because I wanted to find a career where I was able to serve others. Through my interactions with former MPA students, I learned that BYU's MPA program provides folks with the skills they need to make a real impact in communities through public service. The MPA program connected me with an amazing community of individuals striving to make the world a better place and provided me with the skill set to make a meaningful impact in my community.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have had the opportunity because of my degree to find a really awesome job in local government that has provided me with a multitude of opportunities to impact my community in positive ways. As a part of my job, I not only help to develop a city's budget, which directly impacts what services we are able to offer residents, but I also create accessible and transparent public facing documents. An important aspect of my work has been creating space for civic engagement so that we as a city can serve communities in ways that are best for them based on their specific needs and situations. As part of my work, I have the opportunity to be involved in gathering and using resident input and feedback to make budgeting decisions for the city.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

My passion for public service combined with the skill set I gained during my time in the MPA program have provided me with many opportunities to lead exciting projects that impact the community where I work and live. As an analyst, a large part of the work I do is communicating very technical information to a wide range of audiences through presentations and written documents, using communication skills I developed during the MPA program. I also regularly use various data and policy analysis skills and tools from my time in the program in to develop the city's budget and special policy projects that inform the types of services the city is able to provide to residents.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

The friendships I gained in the MPA program are one of the greatest blessings from my time in the program. My job opportunity after grad school took me across the country away from family and friends, but I still regularly hear from and see classmates from the program, and I am still part of a great, supportive community. I have an amazing network of folks cheering me on and supporting my professional and personal life from many different places.

Current Position & Company

Senior Project Controller, Sandia National Laboratories

Hometown

Lansing, Michigan

Undergraduate Degree

BS Sociology, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Playing guitar, singing, learning languages (Hebrew, Spanish, Portuguese, Chinese), family adventures and road trips, singing in ward/stake/regional choirs, home improvement projects, Church history, gospel doctrine, politics, sociology, philosophy, leadership

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

My initial interest in pursuing a BYU MPA degree was to obtain and develop tools for being an effective contributor in public sector work. The degree has also provided a sense of confidence in my ability to continually improve my skills and adapt to my environment. The prestige and reputation of BYU as an institution was important in my decision as well.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have been an active contributor to my work, church, local, and home communities through my service in projects, national defense through deterrence, volunteering, my callings, and more. My MPA degree encouraged me to develop an attitude and habit of active participation.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

The skills you learn in the MPA program won't always be recognized in the workplace, but their impact is always present. For many of the technical and organizational responsibilities on my project management team, I have become the lead and go-to individual for help because I know how to resolve the kinds of financial, programmatic, and technical binds my teammates find themselves in.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

My MPA degree has opened my mind to a world of possibilities. I know how to move about the professional world and how to evaluate my life choices systematically, which then enables me to present an informed choice to the Lord in prayer.

Current Position & Company

Redevelopment Agency Manager, Midvale City

Hometown

Mission Viejo, California

Undergraduate Degree

BA European Studies, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Lately, I have been hiking a lot around Provo and Orem, including Rock Canyon, Provo Canyon, and many other cool crevasses in and around Utah County. I enjoy gardening, cooking with stuff from my garden, and spending time with my newborn son.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I love working for the City of Midvale and bringing about positive changes through the skills I learned and developed in the MPA program. I love working with business owners, residents, developers, and other government entities to make Midvale a better place. One major initiative is to redevelop the Main Street area into an arts and culture district. This summer, I helped fund, organize, and carry out the city's first ever mural festival. It was an event that enriched and uplifted the many who attended the event. The area is now beautified with 18 new and amazing works of art. It has already positively changed the look and feel of the area for the businesses, patrons, and residents.

Current Position & Company

Budget Manager, OSPB

Hometown

Malad, Idaho

Undergraduate Degree

BA Political Science, BYU-Hawaii

Hobbies & Interests

Hiking, traveling, and spending time with family.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I worked in the private sector for a bit and did not like it. The work wasn't meaningful to me. I pursued a BYU MPA degree so that I could do work that makes a positive impact.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I've evaluated several budget proposals and legislation. I've overseen the implementation of public programs that have helped the community in several different ways.

Current Position & Company

City Administrator, Eagle Mountain City, Utah

Hometown

Provo, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BS Accounting, University of Utah

Hobbies & Interests

Cycling, hiking, traveling

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I was introduced to the BYU MPA program by Ifo Pili while we were both working for Eagle Mountain City. Less than a year after starting as the senior accountant at Eagle Mountain, Ifo suggested that I consider applying for the program, which I did about a year after starting employment.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have worked for Eagle Mountain City for 15 years the last two of which have been as city administrator. The opportunity to serve the community where I raised all three of my children has come as a result of my MPA degree—the doors it opened and the skills I gained in the program.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

I believe that the varied classes taught in the program have provided me with skills I have used to mentor, manage, lift and guide the employees I work with. I am able to tell my fellow employees that the guidance I provide comes from experiences and skills I was taught in the BYU MPA program.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I am so grateful for the opportunity I had to go to BYU and graduate from the Romney Institute with an MPA degree. The friendships, mentors, professors, and associates I have met and gained through the program have been invaluable for me as I have navigated the world of public service.

Current Position & Company

Adjunct professor, Utah Valley University; Representative, State of Utah

Hometown

Roseville, California

Undergraduate Degree

BA Political Science, BYU

Previous Experience

Children's Librarian, Provo City Library

Hobbies & Interests

Reading, hanging out with my kids and grandkids, talking politics and policy, running, learning Spanish

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I decided to pursue an MPA because of my interest in both nonprofits and government. As a stay-at-home mom of seven, I had volunteered extensively in my community and in my children's schools, but I wanted to become more involved and felt an MPA would help me to achieve my goals.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

The principles and critical thinking skills that I learned in the MPA program have helped me in every facet of my life. After I graduated, I was elected to the school board and then to the Utah State House. I am more effective and confident because of the knowledge I gained.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

When I campaign for an elected position, I am proud to be able to put that I am a BYU Marriott MPA graduate. I know it makes a good impression! Many of my constituents have commented that it helps them feel more confident about supporting me.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

My BYU Marriott MPA degree enabled me to get two amazing jobs that I have loved: children's librarian and adjunct professor.

Current Position & Company

Research Consultant, Utah Department of Health and Human Services

Hometown

Springville, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BS Sociology, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

I enjoy running, weightlifting, and following what my five kids are doing. I am also involved in advocacy work for the Banyamulenge community in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

After earning my undergraduate degree, I worked for an agency in Provo with close ties to Provo city. This led me to the MPA program to pursue a career in city management. I also wanted to receive a degree that would help me serve in the community and make a difference in the world through my career path.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

My MPA degree opened my eyes to the possibilities in the nonprofit world. I have become involved with several foundations and nonprofits mostly in the refugee community. My MPA degree continues to be a solid foundation for me as I serve in the church and in the advocacy work I am involved in. I currently serve on the board of African Girls Hope Foundation and as a contributing member of the Mahoro Peace Association.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

The skills and experience I gained in the MPA program are most often recognized in the written and oral communication I regularly do in my current position. The analytical skills learned in the program are something I use every day as a researcher. I believe the MPA program also developed my ability to work collaboratively with coworkers on projects that need to be accomplished with a group effort.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I am a better person both professionally and personally for my experience as an MPA student. I appreciate the friendships I developed in the program and am grateful for the opportunities my degree has opened for me in state government. I received a well-rounded education that prepared me to be successful in the workplace and also prepared me to understand the work-life balance that is important to me as a husband and father.

Current Position & Company

Analyst, US Government Accountability Office

Hometown

Cary, North Carolina

Undergraduate Degree

BS Statistics, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Traveling, hiking, reading, playing the piano, cooking, and spending time with friends and family

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I wanted to go into program evaluation so that I could help organizations make the biggest possible impact with their limited resources. I am always fascinated with what works, why it works, and how to make it better, and an MPA was the perfect way to combine my quantitative skill set with the people and management skills I need to work in the public sector. BYU provided an invaluable experience for me, complete with incredible research and employment opportunities, lifelong friends, and a change of perspective that influences my thinking every day.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

My colleagues often recognize my analytical and communication skills. At work I gather, analyze, and consolidate large amounts of complex information, and being able to process it in an effective way contributes to the organization's mission. I also learned valuable communication and presentation skills and feel comfortable going into new situations and working with new people.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I use my BYU MPA degree every day. I recognize how it enhances my ability to serve in church callings, to contribute to my household, and to work with others in the community. I am so grateful for the skills I gained in my BYU MPA.

Current Position & Company

IT Business Intelligence Analyst I

Hometown

Idaho Falls, Idaho

Undergraduate Degree

BA International Studies, BYU-Idaho

Hobbies & Interests

Hiking, cross-country skiing, running, singing, Star Wars, camping, traveling

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world but recognized that my life situation would focus that impact to the Western US. I wanted to work on a government scale and saw that the MPA would get me into local or state government work.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have been able to improve data management and performance measures among several departments, conducted studies to guide city leadership in the improved efficiency of possible personnel changes in the fire department, and researched policy for zoning changes.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

My understanding of government organization has helped in the approach of certain projects. Additionally, my focus in government financial management from my MPA with a minor in information systems has helped me land a new job where I can bridge the two worlds of IT and finance for smoother communication and coordination between the two departments.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I met some of the best, kindest, and most intelligent people that I have ever met in my life in the MPA program . Those connections have increased my own zeal for serving others around me. I recognize and happily live a life calling in my career. Finally, I made other connections throughout various organizations I never would have made otherwise that teach me about innovative methods for accomplishing hard and important missions.

Current Position & Company

Highland City Council, Executive Director of IABS

Hometown

Mesa, Arizona

Undergrad

BA Broadcast Journalism, BYU

Previous Experience

Budget Analyst at Utah Governor's Office of Planning & Budget (GOPB)

Hobbies & Interests

Teach a treadmill class and run marathons.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

As a journalism major, I covered the political beat. I spent my senior year attending Provo City Council meetings and the legislative session. I found that if I wanted to make a difference a great way was through local and state politics.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

Because of my MPA program I was able to run for Highland City Council and win. My MPA degree gave me the skills to understand public sector financing and apply those skills to my city's budget. Not just that, the MPA program gave me the confidence that I could make a difference in my city and be an asset on the council.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

Every day my skills are recognized. I can pick up a budget report and understand it because of my MPA degree. Ethics lessons come into play when tough decisions need to be made. Classes in local and state government help me navigate information presented and prepare me to make the best decisions for my city.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

Every single career opportunity I have been given is because of the MPA program. I was hired as a Budget Analyst for GOPB because the director of that program was also an MPA adjunct professor, and they thought I would be a good fit. When I decided to stay home after having my daughter, MPA professor Chyleen Arbon heard I stepped down and asked if I was interested in a part-time, work-from-home position for a non-profit. BYU Marriott MPA alumni and Utah house representative Brady Brammer gave me the idea and support to run for Highland City Council. The MPA program didn't just give me the skills and confidence I needed to pursue career and community opportunities; the program also gave me a network that was continuously looking out for me.

Current Position & Company

Assistant to the City Manager, City of Klamath Falls

Hometown

Henderson, Nevada

Undergraduate Degree

BS Geography, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Competitive swim, shredding the guitar, and being the best Dungeon Master you've ever had

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

After feeling frustration with the lack of progress in the scientific and environmental world, I searched for the best institution to learn how to make the biggest impact in a community, and the MPA was the answer to my prayers.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

A BYU MPA gave me the skills to make government activities in my local area more transparent and easier for the public to understand and participate in. Appropriate communication is a must for a local government, and BYU's MPA program excels at teaching communication.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

I have a crucial conversation every day. Managing and administering to staff and the public is a daily activity which has been enhanced by the person-to-person skills learned through the MPA program.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

The BYU MPA program taught me to give attention to detail, to consider both sides of the argument, and to seek more information before making a judgment call.

Current Position & Company

Chief of Police, City of Woods Cross, Utah

Hometown

Murray, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BS Sociology, University of Utah

Previous Experience

Chief of Police, City of Garland, Utah

Hobbies & Interests

Hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, hunting, camping, spending time with family outdoors. I am also currently serving on the International Association of Chiefs of Police Patrol and Tactical Committee, as well as serving as the sergeant at arms on the board of directors of the Utah Chiefs of Police Association.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

My desire to pursue a master's degree came to me after I was assigned to serve alongside the educators at Brighton High School as the school's resource detective. In my research to help me find the right MPA program, I found that the BYU Marriott EMPA program was one of the premier public service degree programs in the country.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

With one year left in the three year EMPA program, I was hired as the Police Chief in Garland, Utah. I was told in my interview that the mayor of the city was impressed with my experience and the fact that at age forty-seven I was willing to go back to school to get a master's degree. Prior to my graduation in 2016, I was able to use projects from the city of Garland in my class work, which benefited the city and my education.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

I would not have the job that I have now, if I did not have my BYU Marriott MPA degree. Out of the final four candidates for my current job, two of the applicants had master's degrees, including me. I was told after I was hired that the Woods Cross city council all agreed that a public administration degree would be a better fit for the position of police chief with the city.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

Having attended both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University I can honestly say that the experience at BYU of using gospel based teachings and principles blessed my life during the program, and has increased my knowledge and all-around workplace skills that have served me well at work and at home.

Current Position & Company

Research and Policy Analyst, Town of Strathmore, Alberta, Canada

Hometown

Calgary, Canada

Undergraduate Degree

BA Psychology, BYU–Hawaii

Previous Experience

Communications Officer, Town of Raymond, Alberta, Canada

Hobbies & Interests

I love creating art, music, and happiness. You can often find me painting murals on my walls, creating tiny art galleries, doing jigsaw puzzles, or singing.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I am a sucker for a good cause and I love the excitement of management and being involved in decision making and helping others reach their potential. I had never heard of an MPA until I was researching the MBA program at BYU Marriott, but the MPA program was much more enticing to me and turned out to be a great fit.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have been able to work in several small towns since I graduated. One great thing about working in a smaller place is that you get to see the impacts you make everyday. Everything from the roads and sidewalks to town events and parades are all things I get to be a part in making happen. I have also been able to get a much better understanding of government and how to be a good citizen. My eyes have been opened to all the work and information considered when decisions are being made.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

Both the hard and soft skills I have learned have come in very useful. Business communications and my finance classes have been invaluable. Some of the details of classes are a bit different in Canada, but the principles and training I received at BYU Marriott have helped me easily transition.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

The best part of my MPA degree are the connections I have made with people who genuinely want to make a difference in the workplace. I still connect with these friends often and we often help each other with work questions. In addition to my work, I have also become a wish granter for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and was a board member for a local non-profit. My understanding of non-profit management has helped me contribute more to the community than I was before I had this education.

Current Position & Company

Development Manager, The Work Activity Center

Hometown

Bulawayo, Zimbabwe

Undergraduate Degree

Bachelor of Commerce Honors in Marketing, National University of Science and Technology

Hobbies & Interests

Humanitarian efforts in education, family history, reading, organizing

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I wanted to gain skills in project management that would help me implement projects that improve the lives of mainly women and children in Africa. The MPA program had a curriculum to help me gain all the skills I needed to become an effective project manager.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I have helped a nonprofit called Coafrica based in the United States implement ways to increase community involvement in the construction of classrooms in African countries such as Malawi, Nigeria, Togo, and Benin. With increased community involvement, more schools are being constructed compared to previous years.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

My colleagues appreciate the ability I have to find solutions to current challenges the organization is experiencing through research and implementation of various strategies to increase impact. I have drafted a memorandum of understanding which is being used to coordinate stakeholder participation in project implementation. I have also developed a rubric that is used to select projects that match our vision, values, and mission. Through the research and analysis skills gained in the MPA program, I measure the organization's success and impact and give recommendations on how to improve projects.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I have met amazing people who have taught me a lot about life and by example have inspired me to become a better person. I have a valuable network of people from different parts of the world. My testimony of the gospel has been strengthened, and I understand how applying the gospel principles in all that you do brings success in anything you work on. I am now qualified to get any job I want in nonprofit project management and to live a better life than I lived before. My husband and children have learned so much from being in the United States as they have supported me in my studies. I feel that I am more effective in my work and more efficient because of the BYU MPA skills, and I am truly living a more fulfilling and satisfying life.

Current Position & Company

Assistant to the City Manager, City of Pflugerville

Hometown

Fullerton, California

Undergraduate Degree

BS Sociology, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Baking, hiking, party planning, reading, card-making, video games, and exploring national parks

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

I was nearing the end of my bachelor's degree program and finishing my nonprofit minor, but I wanted more training and opportunities in the nonprofit world. I decided to pursue the BYU MPA degree to hopefully become a nonprofit program manager. However, once in the program, I found that you can do so much with an MPA! I became very interested in city government and public service, so I decided to change course and focus on local government. Without the MPA program, I would not have found my interest in city management.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I currently work as an assistant to the city manager so I get the chance to work with all city departments. I have made an impact by leading committees to put together professional development programming for all city employees, including an in-person conference and mentorship program. I've enjoyed supporting our local leaders and residents through policy development, research analysis, and community engagement. Local government is the place to be!

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

People notice my productivity and passion that I put into my work. The BYU MPA program taught me how to become an effective team member through compassion, servant leadership, and communication. This has allowed me to see both sides of an argument and to create harmony in discussions. I also gained skills in project management and analysis to look critically at program outcomes and best practices for our department.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

Halfway through the MPA program, I received a medical diagnosis that frightened me. However, the BYU MPA faculty and professors stepped in to help me finish my MPA degree on time and receive funding for the ICMA 2019 conference. My cohort stepped in as my home away from home by reaching out and serving me. I am eternally grateful to everyone who helped me pursue my dreams in city government. Meeting passionate, driven, and service-oriented people has helped me to become a better person and pass their kindness on to others.
 

Current Position & Company

City Administrator, Highland City, Utah

Hometown

Tooele, Utah

Undergraduate Degree

BA Political Science, BYU

Hobbies & Interests

Volleyball, gardening, hiking, family time

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

When I was an undergraduate at BYU, I stumbled into an information session for the MPA program one day. That information session taught me about careers in city management. Right away, I realized that's what I wanted to do with my life. I'd always had a love for politics and community, and I wanted to have a meaningful career. This fit perfectly. The MPA degree was the key to pursuing my city management career goals.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

Stewart L. Grow coined the BYU slogan, "Enter to Learn, Go Forth the Serve." I believe the skills I learned in the MPA program help me to fulfill that charge. Outside of the organization I work with, I've served on my city's planning commission, as a member of a professional board, and in other volunteer and church capacities. In each of those opportunities, I feel my skills have allowed me to be more effective and impactful so that I truly can serve and better those and the area around me.

How are your BYU Marriott MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

I use the skills that I learned in the program such as conflict resolution, teamwork, financial management and accounting, economic development, resource management, program evaluation, communications, personnel management, and more on a daily basis to lead my team.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

I think my degree has not only made me a better public servant, but also a better mom and wife. I can put the skills from the program into my own household management. In addition, I am proud to be an example to my children of a wife and mom who has pursued higher education and is successful in her career.

Current Position & Company

Category Leader and Contract Manager, Intermountain Healthcare

Hometown

Las Vegas, Nevada

Undergraduate Degree

BS Public Health, BYU

Previous Experience

Surgical Services Business Manager for Utah Valley Hospital

Hobbies & Interests

Coaching basketball, playing basketball, cooking food, watching movies, hanging with friends and family, traveling, and reading.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

While completing my undergraduate degree in public health, I had my eyes set on attaining a graduate degree in healthcare. I knew if I wanted to reach my goals of leadership within the industry I would need to have the proper education and certifications. The BYU Marriott MPA program gave me the necessary skills to begin a career in healthcare and add value.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

I currently work for one of the largest non-profit organizations in the state of Utah. Intermountain not only sets the bar for non-profits but all sets the standard for helping people live the healthiest lives possible. I wake up everyday knowing I am working for an organization that not only serves the community but works hard to keep people healthy and active. I would not be where I am today without the BYU Marriott MPA.

Current Position & Company

Education Manager at One Refugee

Hometown

Rexburg, Idaho

Undergraduate Degree

BA in Music, BYU–Idaho

Previous Experience

Legal Assistant at Kirton McConkie

Hobbies & Interests

There's so many things I love, but among my most favorite are trail running, biking, cross-country skiing, reading, playing the piano, and spikeball.

Why did you pursue a BYU Marriott MPA degree?

It probably seems like quite a shift to go from music to public administration, but my motivation was the same for both degrees: I wanted to develop skills that would enable me to serve and improve the lives of people in my circle of influence. I loved the idea of advocating for causes that I believed in, and after completing two internships at organizations trying to influence public policy at the federal and state level, I knew that I needed to gain more skills before I could have any real impact. I was trying to figure out my next step when I first heard about the BYU Marriott MPA program. After doing some research, I felt strongly that the BYU Marriott MPA program was the place for me.

What impact have you made on your community with your MPA degree?

The MPA program increased my ability to contribute in almost all areas of my life. In community and church capacities, I plan and carry out community service projects, participate in leadership trainings, and contribute in councils. At One Refugee, we provide academic mentorship, professional development, and financial support to hundreds of college students from refugee backgrounds. I've drawn on almost every course and experience I had while in the MPA program to manage the educational progress of my students, oversee our social media, implement a peer mentorship program, assist with program evaluation, organize volunteers, run orientations, and plan leadership experiences. Through our efforts, hundreds of first-generation students are completing higher education and are better able to support their families and give back to their communities.

How are your BYU MPA skills recognized in the workplace?

We have three BYU Marriott MPA alumni on my team at One Refugee, and it's been a pleasure to see how the skills we gained in the program translate so well to the real-world challenges of running a nonprofit. I wear many different hats and am recognized for my ability to stay on top of my responsibilities, solve problems, and find joy in the small wins we see along the way. Above all, the communication skills I gained in the MPA program have been valued in the workplace, as I've managed a large caseload of students, collaborated with coworkers, and shared the achievements of our students with the world through social media.

In what other ways has your BYU Marriott MPA degree blessed your life?

The BYU Marriott MPA program opened professional, social, intellectual, and spiritual opportunities that would otherwise have been closed to me. I will be forever grateful for the students, professors, mentors, and supervisors who shared so much of themselves (knowledge, passion, time, etc.) with me. I am a better person for the two years I spent in the BYU Marriott MPA program, and I strive to share the fruits of my education with both my family and community.