Master of Public Administration Newsletter - Spring 2025
NASPAA uses BGSU MPA Logic Model
What a milestone! October of 2024 saw the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program being nationally recognized following successful 2022 re-accreditation by the
Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA).
NASPAA cited our program’s logic model as an exemplary artifact and is now sharing it as a peer example for MPA programs across the country seeking accreditation/reaccreditation.
The logic model demonstrates how the program prepares students to work in the public and nonprofit sectors to promote public good.
MPA celebrates Day of the Dead
The MPA program celebrated the Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) in November. Second-year MPA students Ashley Alvarez and Matthew Gergely built an altar for students and staff to express their feelings toward lost loved ones. It was beautiful to witness various people placing photos and other symbolic items on the altar in memory of friends and family.
“The altar invites us all to reflect on the richness of tradition, the power of remembrance, and the enduring strength of heritage... it is about life and legacy for those who have lived before us,” Ashley said.
MPA students were joined by Political Science, History, and Sociology faculty and students to enrich the day of the dead celebration.
Falcon Food Pantry
The BGSU Falcon Food Pantry demonstrates the role MPA faculty and students play in addressing important social problems. Dr. Shannon Orr, MPA faculty and professor in the Department of Political Science, is the faculty director of the pantry. She says the initiative is not only a response to food insecurity, but also an opportunity for MPA students to apply academic learning to real-world issues.
The pantry was created in 2022 under Dr. Orr’s supervision and now has sixteen interns and one MPA graduate assistant who help serve around 1,300 people a month. The pantry runs on donations from various sources.
Meghan Glick, a BGSU third year marketing student, is doing her internship with the Falcon Food Pantry and says the experience is unmatched.
“Working with the Falcon Food Pantry is such an awesome experience," Meghan said. "I love being able to help students and faculty get access to food. I find this as a great initiative at BGSU, and I am happy to make a difference.”
Dr. Orr’s approach highlights the importance of faculty involvement in designing and implementing community-based projects that go beyond the classroom to directly impact community wellbeing. On average, the pantry serves 5,000 people per semester.
Overall, the Falcon Food Pantry serves a crucial function in addressing immediate food needs, and provides an exemplary model of how MPA faculty and students can work together to create lasting social change through applied, community-focused projects.
Falcon Food Pantry Hours: Mondays & Thursdays 12-3 p.m. and Wednesdays 2:30-5:30 p.m.
Faculty Corner
Dr. Abhishek Bhati - AI Innovation Award
Over the fall semester, Dr. Abhishek Bhati received a Shanklin A.I. Innovation Award from BGSU for his work on the role of artificial intelligence (A.I.) in the nonprofit and public sectors. His project is “A.I.-Generated Case Studies: Real-World Challenges for Public and Non-Profit Organizations.” He will be studying how A.I. is used to solve real-life problems and increase efficiency.
Dr. Justin Rex - Mental Health Benefits of the Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB
Dr. Justin Rex joined staff at the BGSU Center for Regional Development – including MPA graduates Alyssa Horn and Maddi Georgoff-Menich – in evaluating the mental health benefits of the Northwest Ohio Pathways HUB. The program connects low-income mothers with community health workers, who help mothers access public benefits and pregnancy resources.
They found that almost all mothers reported significantly reduced stress after joining the program. The majority also reported an improved sense of safety, security, and hope.
Dr. Melissa Miller's Documentary Wins Top Awards
Based on years of research, Dr. Melissa Miller’s latest project – Trailblazing Women in Ohio Politics – is a public television documentary produced in collaboration with WBGU-PBS. The film recently won two Telly Awards, awarded to screen productions competing across six continents. The film garnered the Gold Award for DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) as well as the Silver Award in the Political & Commentary Category for television.
In Memoriam - Dr. Marc Simon
It is with deep sadness we share that faculty member Dr. Marc V. Simon passed away on Dec. 5, 2024. Until his passing, Dr. Simon was the chair of the Department of Political Science, an associate professor and undergraduate advisor in political science, and the coordinator of peace and conflict studies. He taught courses on international relations, foreign policy, peace studies and conflict resolution. Dr. Simon joined BGSU in the 1990-91 academic year. He was a model faculty member, dedicated to his students' learning experiences and opportunities and the endless pursuit of knowledge. May he rest well.
Students Corner
2024 Graduation
Four of our MPA students graduated at the end of the Fall semester: Kassidy Hoyt, Daphne Salter, Tiara Davis, and Anne Afful. We wish all the graduates success.
Four of our MPA students graduated at the end of the Fall semester: Kassidy Hoyt, Daphne Salter, Tiara Davis, and Anne Afful. We wish all the graduates success.
Research Presentations
One of the required courses for the MPA degree is Research Methods. At the end of the semester, students share findings from a research study they conducted at a research symposium. Students find publicly available datasets, create their own research questions, test hypotheses, and present their results to MPA students, undergraduate political science students and faculty, and the BGSU community.
Thanks to Dr. Nicole Kalaf-Hughes for teaching research methods and helping students develop their qualitative and quantitative research skills. Her passion for guiding students through research helps them grow academically and professionally, preparing them for success in their future careers.
Awards
Distinguished Alumni Award - Austin Serna
Congratulations to Austin Serna, winner of the 2024 Distinguished MPA Alumni Award. Serna’s bachelor's degree is in political science, with a minor in business. During the MPA program he had a focus in local and state government.
"I am actively involved with local, state and federal politics," Serna said. "I am actively involved in my community, too.”
After graduating from in 2017, Serna joined the Lucas County Board of Elections as an elections technology manager. He later worked with the Maumee Valley Planning Organization as a community development planner and the University of Toledo as the sponsored programs manager. He currently works as a congressional assistant for U.S. Representative Marcy Kaptur.
Community Engagement Award - Marcus Harris
Marcus Harris is the diversity and economic opportunity manager for the City of Sandusky. Prior to that, he worked for Youth Opportunities Unlimited, a Cleveland nonprofit that helps put teens and young adults on a path to economic self-sufficiency. He specializes in meaningful community engagement and implementing data-informed solutions. His public service and community partner projects while a student in the program stood out.
Academic Achievement Award - Jessie Mphande
Congratulations to Jessie Mphande, whose grades and dedication to her coursework and projects earned her the 2024 Academic Achievement Award. She said her secret was “the unwavering support of my professors, peers, and family who inspired me to reach my full potential, driving me to excel and remain motivated throughout my journey.” She added that she deeply cherished her experience in the MPA program and embraced the opportunity with enthusiasm and dedication. Mphande is an international student who joined us from Malawi.
BGSU MPA Program Mission
Creating an inclusive, collaborative learning environment that empowers students with the skills, applied theories, and community-based project experiences necessary to adapt to and succeed in an ever-changing public sphere.
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Updated: 03/05/2025 10:21AM