MPA
Read about BYU Marriott's MPA and EMPA programs, the students in our programs, the faculty and their research, as well as where our alumni are in their careers.
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Three Degrees for Good
For Rachel Bennion, advocating for immigrants isn’t just a professional goal—it’s a personal passion. Inspired by her immigrant great-grandfather's experience, she now helps modern immigrants overcome challenges her grandfather couldn’t have imagined.
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Seeds of Change: The 2025 Do Good. Better. Conference
Reverend Dr. Heber Brown III shared how his vision to help his congregation grew into a multi-state network of helping hands at the recent “Do Good. Better.” Conference.
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Rooted in Community, Rising in Purpose
Claudia Barillas has always wanted to make a positive impact in her community, and the tools she's gaining in the executive MPA program at BYU Marriott have helped her achieve her vision.
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Connecting Countries and Serving Individuals
After living and working around the world, MPA student Kenji Sugahara is now studying to make an impact in international development.
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Crossing the Finish Line Together
Students, faculty, alumni, and friends of the BYU MPA program participated in a bike race from Salt Lake City to Saint George—facing heat, cold, mountains, and fatigue together—and eventually crossed the finish line as a team.
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Alumni Leaders
The following are alumni who were highlighted on page 10 of BYU Marriott's 2024 Annual Report.
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Romney Institute Presents Alumnus of the Year Award to Robert Carver
In fall 2024, the MPA program presented the Alumnus of the Year Award to Robert Carver to recognize his extraordinary service and leadership in the public sector and in his community.
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When Religion Goes to Work
Paul Lambert hopes to empower students at the BYU Marriott School of Business to see their faith as one of their biggest assets in the workplace.
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A Springboard for Public Service
Whether he’s balancing the county budget or arranging fire services for unincorporated counties, Ezra Nair draws on the skills he gained from BYU Marriott's EMPA program to manage and serve the county.
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Fresh Perspectives and New Hires for MPA Program
Jeanelle Carden and Savannah Heath bring fresh perspectives and expertise to help grow the MPA community and increase its impact in the world.
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Seasons of Life
MPA alumna Anastasia Jespersen has learned through experience that life has seasons, and each one comes with the opportunity to prioritize different parts of your life.
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From Wall Street to Nonprofit CEO: Jonathan Reckford Named 2024 Administrator of the Year
Recipient of the 2024 Administrator of the Year Award from the Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics, Jonathan Reckford took an unconventional journey to working in public service and becoming CEO of Habitat for Humanity International.
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Finding His Soul Major
Brad Hales found his perfect match online. But it wasn’t a dating site he was perusing; it was BYU Marriott’s MPA site. “As soon as I looked at the website, I knew an MPA was the degree for me,” he recalls.
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Looking Behind the Bill: The 2024 Cornia Award Winner
The Romney Institute of Public Service and Ethics at the BYU Marriott School of Business honored Amanda Rutherford, a professor in the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University and a scholar in the field of public administration, with the 2024 Gary C. Cornia Award.
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Returning to Roots with New Purpose
Mariyah Housari, daughter of a Palestinian refugee and an MPA student at BYU Marriott, has come full circle as she strives to help modern-day Palestinian refugees.
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