College of Behavioral and Social Sciences > Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies > Student Resources

Student Resources

MPA New Student Orientation

The MPA New Student Orientation is an important activity for all incoming MPA students. All new MPA students are required to attend the orientation. The orientation provides an opportunity to meet and interact with MPA program faculty and staff, as well as other incoming students. The orientation also provides information regarding program requirements and professional development opportunities.

2025 MPA Orientation Dates

Spring 2025 Semester – MPA Executive Track – January 12 at 7:30pm (Zoom Link via the MPA Portal).
MPA Hybrid Track – January 13 at 4:00pm in Carroll 1047

Fall 2025 Semester – MPA Hybrid Track – August 13 at 4:00pm in Carroll 1047

MPA Student Association (MPASA)

Established in August 2010, the MPASA is a student-led organization dedicated to creating activities and events for MPA students that celebrate and promote public service. The organization seeks to enhance knowledge, expand the competitive strength of the MPA program, broaden networking opportunities and improve academic, professional and social programming experiences in the challenging and evolving field of public administration. All current MPA students are members of the MPASA. MPA students are highly encouraged to participate in all MPASA functions, as well as take an active role in the governance of the association by serving as an officer. Program alumni are welcome to participate in any MPASA functions.

Officers for the 2024-2025 Academic Year:

Ebow Barton-Odro (President)
Edie Grace (Vice President)
Madison Brown (Event Coordinator)
Joshua Merriweather (Treasurer)

Please contact Dr. Jonathan Lubin with any questions about the MPASA.

Student Organizations and Associations

Pi Alpha Alpha

Pi Alpha Alpha membership is prestigious for our students as well as for our public administration program, and the university. We encourage all eligible public administration graduate students, alumni, and faculty to apply for induction. The mission of Pi Alpha Alpha is to acknowledge and encourage outstanding scholarship and accomplishments, promote the education and practice of the art and science that is public administration, and advance the highest caliber of public service through integrity, professionalism and creativity. Pi Alpha Alpha membership represents the highest level of academic achievement and the embodiment of the organization’s dedication to quality public service.For information pertaining to Pi Alpha Alpha membership criteria, please visit their website at https://pialphaalpha.org/ or contact the department at 912-478-1400.

Nu Lambda Mu

Nu Lambda Mu is an international honor society and is open to graduate students dedicated to the study of nonprofit management, philanthropy, and social entrepreneurship and enterprise. For information pertaining to Nu Lambda Mu membership criteria, please visit their website at https://www.nonprofit-academic-centers-council.org/ or contact the department at 912-478-1400.

MPA Student Association (MPASA)

Professional Associations in Public Administration

Alliance for Innovation (AFI)

The AFI is an international network of progressive governments and partners committed to transforming local government by accelerating the development and dissemination of innovations. They seek out innovative practices, challenge existing business models, exchange knowledge, and provide products and services that help our members perform at their best. Student membership is $20.

Alliance for Innovation
411 N. Central Ave., Suite 400
Phoenix, AZ 85004 http://www.transformgov.org

American Society for Public Administration (ASPA)

Membership includes students, academic specialists, and practitioners from local, state, and federal agencies. ASPA has one national meeting each year, and there are also regular multi-state regional meetings and local chapter meetings in many areas. ASPA publishes Public Administration Review (PAR), perhaps the most important journal in public administration, which includes articles of commentary, analysis, and research. Members also receive Public Administration Times, which includes job openings in various administrative fields, and articles on current events in public administration. Student membership rate is $50.

American Society for Public Administration
1301 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20004 https://www.aspanet.org

Association for Research on Nonprofit Organizations and Voluntary Action (ARNOVA)

ARNOVA is a leading interdisciplinary community of people dedicated to fostering through research and education, the creation, application and dissemination of knowledge on nonprofit organizations, philanthropy, civil society and voluntary action. The Student/Academic Membership rate for this organization is $55.

ARNOVA
550 W. North St., Suite 301
Indianapolis, IN 46202 http://www.arnova.org

Georgia Center for Nonprofits (GCN)

The mission of the Georgia Center for Nonprofits is to build thriving communities by helping nonprofits succeed. Through a powerful mix of advocacy, solutions for nonprofit effectiveness, and insight building tools, GCN provides nonprofits, board members and donors with the tools they need to strengthen organizations that make a difference on important causes throughout Georgia. For more than 20 years, GCN has served as a cornerstone of support for Georgia’s nonprofit and philanthropic community by delivering a wide range of services and support. Our members span the nonprofit world in scale and scope—from international organizations to corporate philanthropies, foundations, and community initiatives. Student memberships are available for students enrolled full-time in an undergraduate or graduate program. To apply, contact the Membership team at 678-916-3080.

Georgia Center for Nonprofits
100 Peachtree Street NW, Suite 1500
Atlanta, Georgia 30303 http://www.gcn.org

Georgia City-County Management Association (GCCMA)

The GCCMA is the recognized affiliate organization of ICMA, the professional association of appointed administrators servicing cities, counties, regional councils, and other local government in the State of Georgia. Founded in the 1950s by a small group of managers interested in professional development, the GCCMA membership now includes city and county managers and administrators, directors of regional development centers, and their principal assistants. Several State agencies are represented among the membership, in addition to representatives of the Association County Commissioners of Georgia and the Georgia Municipal Association. Student membership is $25.

Georgia Municipal Association
P.O. Box 105337
Atlanta, GA 30348 http://www.gccma.com

Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)

The purpose of the GFOA is to enhance and promote the professional management of governments for the public benefit by identifying and developing financial policies and best practices and promoting their use through education, training, facilitation of member networking, and leadership. Membership in the GFOA is open to everyone whose career, studies, or interests involve government financial management. The Education Membership rate is $40, and $35 of your total membership dues pay for a subscription to Government Finance Review, GFOA’s bimonthly magazine.

Government Finance Officers Association
203 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2700
Chicago, IL 60601-1210 http://www.gfoa.org

International City/County Management Association (ICMA)

ICMA is a professional and educational organization representing appointed managers and administrators in local governments throughout the world. Members receive bi-weekly newsletters and the monthly publication of Public Management magazine. The Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies is home to an ICMA Student Chapter, which affords all MPA students a free student membership. Instructions for signing up are available by contacting the department or your faculty advisor.

International City Management Association
777 N. Capitol Street, NW, Suite 500
Washington, DC 20002 http://www.icma.org

International Hispanic Network (IHN)

The purpose of the IHN is to encourage professional excellence among Hispanic local government administrators, to improve the management of local government, to provide unique resources to Hispanic local government executives and public managers, and to advance the goals of professional, effective and ethical local government administration. The network works with other organizations, such as the ICMA, which shares common goals. The Student/Academic Membership rate for this organization is $10.

International Hispanic Network
1850 K Street, NW, Suite 870
Washington, DC 20006 http://www.ihnonline.org

International Personnel Management Association for Human Resources (IPMA-HR)

IPMA-HR is the recognized association for public personnel professionals. Members receive a monthly newsletter which includes position openings, a quarterly journal, and a membership directory. Student membership is $37.

International Personnel Management Association
1850 K Street, NW, Suite 870
Washington, DC 20006 http://www.ipma-hr.org

National Forum for Black Public Administrators (NFBPA)

The mission of the NFBPA is embodied in the organization’s commitment to strengthen the position of Blacks within the field of public administration; to increase the number of Blacks appointed to executive positions in public service organizations; and, to groom and prepare younger, aspiring administrators for senior public management posts in the years ahead. Students at the undergraduate and graduate levels are eligible to become members of the NFBPA, provided they subscribe to the goals and objectives of the NFBPA and shall be a full-time student as define by the institution in which they are enrolled. Student Membership is limited to four consecutive years. Adults who are employed full-time and pursue part-time academic study are ineligible for student memberships. Student Membership is $25.

National Forum for Black Public Administrators
777 North Capitol Street, NE, Suite 807
Washington, DC 20002 www.nfbpa.org

Student Awards

The MPA student awards are given annually during the spring semester. For awards requiring nomination, a nomination period will be announced in advance and the nomination form will be made available on this webpage.

MPA Student of the Year

The MPA Student of the Year award recognizes a graduating MPA student who embodies the department’s core values: “Serve, Respect, Achieve”.

Eligibility

1. Graduating MPA student in the spring semester of the current academic year or the following fall semester.
2. Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at time of nomination.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate eligible students based on a number of criteria including, but not limited to: quality of academic work, in-class performance, professional growth and development, demonstrated leadership, and demonstrated personal character.

First Year MPA Student

The First Year MPA Student award recognizes an MPA student in their first year who embodies the department’s core values: “Serve, Respect, Achieve”.

Eligibility

MPA student in their first year (or a student who has completed no more than 18-credit hours).
Minimum cumulative GPA of 3.5 or higher at time of nomination.

Criteria for Evaluation

Community Involvement and Volunteering

The Community Involvement and Volunteering award recognizes MPA students who have made outstanding contributions in the community through their volunteering efforts. Students who have completed 25 hours, 50 hours, and 100 or more hours of volunteering will be recognized for their contributions.

Eligibility

Open to all MPA students.
Completion of the self-nomination form demonstrating hours of community service performed, leadership roles in service, and the diversity of organizations.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate nominees for this award against the backdrop of the impact that their volunteering has made on their lives and the value to the community.

Professional Development

The Professional Development award recognizes an MPA student(s) who has surpassed in a significant and meaningful way the standard program requirements for professional growth and development.

Eligibility

Open to all MPA students.
Completion of the self-nomination form detailing the type and breadth of professional development.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate nominees for this award by considering a wide range of professional development activities including, but not limited to: attending and presenting at professional conferences, attending professional workshops, participating in program and department hosted or sponsored events, taking on leadership roles within the program or department and/or in outside professional organizations.

Peer Leadership

The Peer Leadership award recognizes a first year (less than 18-credit hours completed) and graduating (30-credit hours or more completed) MPA student who exhibits strong leadership qualities inside and outside of the classroom.

Eligibility

Open to all MPA students.
Student(s) are nominated for this award by their peers. A student must receive one or more completed nominations in order to be eligible for this award.

Criteria for Evaluation

The MPA faculty will evaluate nominees for this award by considering the merits detailed in the nomination form(s). Evidence of peer leadership may include, but is not limited to: demonstrated classroom leadership, setting a high standard for individual and group work, willingness to help or mentor classmates, and creating meaningful engagement with peers outside of the classroom.

INSTRUCTIONS

Use the form below for the Community Involvement and Volunteering award (self-nomination), Professional Development award (self-nomination), and Peer Leadership award. The form will remain open only during the nomination period.

The nomination period for 2024-25 nomination period will be open from March 1-31, 2025. Award winners will be recognized at the MPA Awards Celebration and Graduation Banquet in April 2025.

NOMINATION FORM

AY2023-24 Award Winners

MPA Hybrid Track Student of the Year – Catalin Vintilescu

MPA Executive Track Student of the Year – Joshua Wilson

First Year MPA Student – Zamaria Ball

Peer Leadership – Zamaria Ball

Community Involvement and Volunteering – Zamaria Ball and Ebow Barton-Odro

AY2022-23 Award Winners

MPA Student of the Year – Harley Smith

First Year MPA Student – Olivia Davis-Ryan

Peer Leadership – Lindsay Gribble

Professional Development – Brett Kohler

AY2021-22 Award Winners

MPA Student of the Year – Jennifer Morgan

First Year MPA Student – Edith Santana

Peer Leadership – Zakiya Daniel

Honorary Societies and Inductees

The Department of Public and Nonprofit Studies is proud to recognize the outstanding academic achievements of our students and encourage membership in Pi Alpha Alpha and Nu Lamba Mu.

Pi Alpha Alpha

Pi Alpha Alpha Inductees

Callie McDonald
Robert Robinson
Melinda Laughlin
Christina Newman
Ashley Mitchell Broxton
Tiara Monique McClain
Michael Whitten
Jessica Renner
Kayla Whaley
Glenn Hull
Jessica Williamson
Cindy Steinmann
Anna Trapp
Amanda Herring
Danielle Debien
Ashley Thornton
Christopher Suggs
Cory Ware
Monica Boyd
Imonkhae Ugboya
Soumanou Sabi Goura
Kiana Brown
Jennifer Morgan
Pamela Goodman
Zakiya Daniel
William Golden
Brett Kohler
Fernanda Camacho Hauser
Ansel Scott
Corbin Dantes-Perry
Rylee Waldrep
Catalin Vintilescu
Olivia Davis-Ryan
Edith Hinkel

Nu Lambda Mu

Nu Lambda Mu Inductees

Ezinne Uzoh
Amanda Herring
Stacie McDaniel
Colin Karnes
Holly Presscott
Michael Wedincamp
Macey Kilgore
Harley Smith
Avradita Mukherjee

Student Profiles

Please browse our current and alumni MPA student profiles. Current students and alumni are invited to send updates via email to mpa@georgiasouthern.edu.