This fall, Colorado State University welcomed the first cohort of students to the new Master of Public Policy and Administration. This cohort not only exceeded enrollment expectations, but brought students with diverse backgrounds, talents, and ambitions to campus.
“We have students coming straight from their undergraduate degrees and students who are returning to the classroom after decades,” said Dr. Susan Opp, Program Director for Public Policy & Administration. “We have current public servants, honorably discharged veterans, and students active in nonprofits in the region. Our students add depth to our classroom with their ability to contribute their own experiences while appreciating and understanding the perspectives of others.”
Together, these students are learning to craft policy and lead organizations that will change lives. Below, five MPPA students share their hopes for the future and why they chose CSU.
Charlotte Norville
“No matter what job title I’ve held, my favorite part of what I do is bringing clarity to issues or dilemmas, solving them with innovative solutions, and sharing those solutions with others. I want to effect positive change in my community and around the world by working with policymakers and partners, producing communications, and inspiring citizens to act.”
DeAngelo Bowden
“The push and pull the program provides is amazing and there is always space to explore new ideas, methods, and strategies around policies/programs. My colleagues in the program also have a ton of influence in shaping the future of government in general and being able to brainstorm innovative ideas with them is something I will never take for granted. It truly is setting me up for success.”
Brody Wians
“Dr. Opp has numerous connections through the community and paired me with an internship that directly related to my future interests and background. Working for Larimer County Criminal Justice Services, I was able to apply each of the classes I have taken at CSU to my daily work in a cumulative effort of my knowledge to assist in the evaluation of post sentencing services.”
Morgan Biddison
“Since graduating from CSU in 2015, I looked at several graduate programs across the state but never found quite the right fit. When I saw CSU was offering a new MPPA program, I knew it would be a great program. As an undergraduate student at CSU I had the opportunity to take several classes with the MPPA program director, Dr. Susan Opp, and knew her passion for public service and ability to bring real world experience into the classroom would be a great fit for me. The program was also appealing in its hands on approach and focus on working with local community leaders to help solve real problems.”
Leonardo Escalante
“I firmly believe that Public Policy is an amazing vehicle through which we can address social justice issues. And public organizations and public administrations play a pivotal role in these efforts as they are responsible for developing and implementing public policy. As such, I think it’s essential to have a solid understanding of these concepts to be better equipped to enact and influence change within these organizations.”
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Applications for Spring 2021 will be reviewed on a space-available basis through December 1. The priority application deadline for Fall 2021 is February 20.
Charlotte Norville
Charlotte Norville is a Colorado State University alumna who currently works as a Public Engagement Specialist for the City of Fort Collins. In the future, she would love to work for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Policy Analyst or Manager.
“The more I work with individuals to affect change on a local level, the more energized I am to make big changes at the policy level.”
I first became interested in Public Policy & Administration through my career in working for local government. I heard about this program from Sam Houghteling, a former colleague at the City of Fort Collins and now actively involved the Straayer Center at CSU. I know my life’s calling is public service, and that earning this degree will make me better at my job and open up new career opportunities.
I am a Colorado State University alumna and had a great experience learning from world-class instructors and receiving individualized attention. CSU has a strong reputation in natural resources, conservation, and science. I live and work here, so it made sense to do this program and make connections with other students and faculty working for public agencies. It’s encouraging that the program is designed for working people, with classes in the evening and on campus.
I work as a Public Engagement Specialist for the City of Fort Collins Natural Areas Department now, which is really a dream job. I get to work with diverse community members to make meaningful change to benefit wildlife and the people who enjoy natural areas. The more I work with individuals to affect change on a local level, the more energized I am to make big changes at the policy level. Gaining my master’s degree in Public Policy and Administration will help me in my desired career as a Policy Analyst or Manager. I would love to explore career opportunities at the federal level, particularly with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
I really enjoy the PPA 553 Public Organization Theory with Dr. Susan Opp. It’s compelling to integrate theory into practical cases and solve problems. I enjoy problem solving and learning from best practices, so it is fun to explore cases from all different aspects of government each week.
No matter what job title I’ve held, my favorite part of what I do is bringing clarity to issues or dilemmas, solving them with innovative solutions, and sharing those solutions with others. I want to effect positive change in my community and around the world by working with policymakers and partners, producing communications, and inspiring citizens to act.
DeAngelo Bowden
DeAngelo Bowden moved to Fort Collins from North Carolina to pursue a career in local government. Completing his MPPA will allow him to take his Equity and Inclusion work with local government to the next level.
“Working with the City of Fort Collins has been an absolute joy and I could not see myself anywhere else doing the work I do in the immediate future. Colorado State University announcing their MPPA program was an opportunity that I just could not let slide by.”
This is an interesting question because I did not know much about it at first until a few weeks before applications were open. Of course, with this being the first semester CSU has had the program, it will take some time for the reputation to grow. A friend of mine, Sam Houghteling, mentioned the program to me in a conversation over lunch and figured I would be interested in it. Maybe a week later, Darin Atteberry mentioned the amazing cast of professors the program would have in one of our work meetings. If you have not met either of these individuals, let me tell you, they could make a compelling argument for doing just about anything!
So I recently moved to Fort Collins from North Carolina to pursue a career in local government. Working with the City of Fort Collins has been an absolute joy and I could not see myself anywhere else doing the work I do in the immediate future. Colorado State University announcing their MPPA program was an opportunity that I just could not let slide by. It was almost perfect timing, you know? If I want to continue my work in Equity and Inclusion at the local government level, then I want to be sure that I really understand how government functions. A plus to it all was that the MPPA staff also happen to be some of the best in the field!
Besides being the first “Mister” of the United States? I think that being an African American City Manager back in North Carolina would be amazing. I always tell my friends that I am going to move back to my hometown one day and really be the catalyst for change it needs. Oh, or professional DJ because why not?
All of them is the correct answer here! I really enjoy everything from my professors this semester. Each one of them bring something special to the table. For those who are thinking about being a part of this program, just know that there is not a bad decision to be made with the current folks we have leading in this space.
I think that being able to do a deep dive with my professors on my professional work really impacts the way that I maneuver in the local government realm. The push and pull the program provides is amazing and there is always space to explore new ideas, methods, and strategies around policies/programs. My colleagues in the program also have a ton of influence in shaping the future of government in general and being able to brainstorm innovative ideas with them is something I will never take for granted. It truly is setting me up for success.
Brody Wians
Having completed an undergraduate degree in criminal justice, Brody Wians was looking for a graduate degree that would prepare him for a career serving the community.
“My dream job will be working for a federal crime agency such as the FBI or CIA applying my military background along with the managerial skills learned from the MPPA program here at CSU to serve the public.”
In my undergraduate studies I studied criminal justice. One of my professors had an MPA and when I had mentioned that I wanted to pursue grad school he suggested I look into the MPA program. Sure enough the MPA program seemed to fit with the direction I wanted my career to be in serving the community.
I chose CSU for my graduate program because of how military friendly the school is, let alone the beauty of the area and opportunities that the City of Fort Collins offers is second to none. I found very quickly that the professors are very invested into their students’ success and it felt like a perfect fit for me.
My dream job will be working for a federal crime agency such as the FBI or CIA applying my military background along with the managerial skills learned from the MPPA program here at CSU to serve the public.
Overall the internship has been most meaningful. Dr. Opp has numerous connections through the community and paired me with an internship that directly related to my future interests and background. Working for Larimer County Criminal Justice Services I was able to apply each of the classes I have taken at CSU to my daily work in a cumulative effort of my knowledge to assist in the evaluation of post sentencing services.
The managerial skills within an organization are so important to have, along with knowing how our government works and how to navigate the extremely difficult processes it goes through, has given me the correct tools to best apply my own knowledge and values to serve the public.
Morgan Biddison
Colorado State University alumna Morgan Biddison currently serves as an Environmental Engagement and Government Relations Advisor for an electric utility here in Colorado.
“After graduating from the MPPA program, I hope to continue my career in the utility industry and play a meaningful role in our region’s energy future as we look to transition to a cleaner grid.”
I chose to pursue a graduate degree in Public Policy & Administration because it will enable me to further develop my policy analysis skills while also providing me with a management framework that will be critical throughout my career. I’m confident this program will benefit me not only in my current position, but for many years to come.
Since graduating from CSU in 2015, I looked at several graduate programs across the state but never found quite the right fit. When I saw CSU was offering a new MPPA program, I knew it would be a great program. As an undergraduate student at CSU I had the opportunity to take several classes with the MPPA program director, Dr. Susan Opp, and knew her passion for public service and ability to bring real world experience into the classroom would be a great fit for me. The program was also appealing in its hands on approach and focus on working with local community leaders to help solve real problems.
I currently serve as an Environmental Engagement and Government Relations Advisor for an electric utility here in Colorado. After graduating from the MPPA program, I hope to continue my career in the utility industry and play a meaningful role in our region’s energy future as we look to transition to a cleaner grid.
This semester I’ve really enjoyed Dr. Opp’s Public Organization Theory class. The course content is really applicable to my current career as it dives into organization structure, culture, and leadership. I’ve also enjoyed the opportunity to meet and work with a wide variety of students with diverse backgrounds and career experience.
In just the first semester I’ve seen how applicable this program is to my career and how much it will benefit me in my future job growth. The MPPA program will enable me to grow in my career and will serve as a foundation for many years to come.
Leonardo Escalante
Leonardo Escalante moved to Northern Colorado for an employment opportunity with the City of Fort Collins. He hopes to use his advanced understanding of public policy to address social justice issues.
“This program is an amazing opportunity to learn the depths of public policy, which is an extremely powerful tool that we can use for good when complemented with public administration principles.”
I firmly believe that Public Policy is an amazing vehicle through which we can address social justice issues. And public organizations and public administrations play a pivotal role in these efforts as they are responsible for developing and implementing public policy. As such, I think it’s essential to have a solid understanding of these concepts to be better equipped to enact and influence change within these organizations.
I’m very excited about all the opportunities this program gives you. I am very interested in seeing how I can apply the lessons learned, whether in local, state, or federal government. I would love a role in a department focused on social equity and sustainability: leading projects, programs, and initiatives designed to support vulnerable populations. I would also greatly enjoy working in a think tank setting to continue learning best practices and examples of participatory community development.
I moved to Fort Collins about a year ago for an employment opportunity with the City of Fort Collins. However, the job offer was not the only influencing factor in my decision to move to the city. My partner and I carefully considered other towns. Eventually, we chose Fort Collins for several reasons, and CSU and the quality and reputation of the program were among the main ones. Besides, I was very interested in the opportunity to learn the ins and outs of public policy and administration and get to practice it in my role with the City of Fort Collins.
I can’t say that there’s a class that’s more or less meaningful than others. I think we, the students, play an extremely significant role in making sure that every class is meaningful. I’m excited at the thought of building shared understanding and meaning in all the classes in conjunction with my professors and classmates.
For starters, I think any learning always plays a positive role in preparing us for the future. Not just learning, but also the learning environment in which we can exercise our ability to question, reexamine, and grow our understanding of the world. In a more practical, concrete sense, this program is an amazing opportunity to learn the depths of public policy, which is an extremely powerful tool that we can use for good when complemented with public administration principles.
