As Director of the MPA program, Dr. Mary Wenning is responsible for administering the degree program to ensure that all MPA students are treated fairly and with integrity. Dr. Wenning accepted the challenging position in fall 2013 when Dr. Jerri Killian stepped down after nine years to return to a primary focus on teaching and research. Dr. Killian’s leadership has been invaluable and we are very pleased that she is continuing with the program and department as a full-time member of the faculty.
Now that the smooth transition to semesters has been completed, MPA faculty have shifted their collective focus to program assessment. The MPA program is accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) through 2015-16 and also participates in the accreditation of WSU by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), also through 2016. Following a national trend, accreditation requirements of both NASPAA and HLC emphasize assessment of learning outcomes. And with re-accreditation review processes by both organizations occurring during the 2015-16 academic year, the MPA faculty have been hard at work discussing values, mission, competencies, outcomes, strategies, and measures.
To ensure a blend of practice with theory, our MPA Advisory Board is comprised of experienced managers and administrators in local government and nonprofit organizations, several of whom have served as adjunct MPA faculty. Our Advisory Board also includes an MPA student representative and MPA faculty who serve as ex-officio members. Regular Board meetings are held once each semester, but the Board may meet more frequently as needed. Advice concerning potential changes to program curriculum, policy, and related matters are solicited; program assessment data are shared; and changes in the public service professions, the state, the region, the local community, and the university are discussed. These meetings provide enhanced understanding of the varied perspectives among practitioners, students, and academics, and serve to inform program responses to current and anticipated needs and challenges. We would like to thank this year’s members.
Lindsay Ackley, Planned Giving Officer, The Children’s Medical Center of Dayton
Steven Budd, President, City Wide Development Corp.
Jeffrey Hoagland, President and CEO, Dayton Development Coalition
Jan Kinner, Defense Acquisition University, WPAFB
Matt Kridler, City Manager, Springfield, Retired
Jesse Lightle, Township Administrator, Washington Township
Karen Puterbaugh, Executive Director, Greene County Area Council on Aging
Mark Schwieterman, City Manager, City of Kettering
Catherine Evans, Student Representative
