Knowledge of Public Administration

MPA students know painfully well about the epic struggle between government and the governed. We expect our leaders to be responsive and thoughtful while striving for efficiency. We want public problems resolved with minimal taxation. Government ought to protect our liberties without intruding in our lives. These dilemmas pose challenges for government, both in policy and administration. Our laws are founded on worthy principles, like public health, citizen participation and economic security. The execution of these laws, however, is just as important as the principles themselves. That's what public administration is about. After talking the talk, it's talking the walk and then walking the walk. It's about applying research skills, people skills, analytical tools and an understanding of organizational and public behavior to deal with challenges that arise from leadership change, budget management, strategic planning, human resource management and economic, environmental and political crises. Through numerous case study assignments, two of which you will find below, I have honed my skills in the analysis of policy and administration issues.

 

The Butterfly Ballot - How Al Gore missed the presidency in 2000!

A Go-getter in DOD - A maverick in government and it's not John McCain!