Update on the PA Alumni Society – Message from President Alexis Addison
The PA Alumni Society exists to convene and serve as an on-going professional association for graduates of the Ph.D. and MPA programs. To achieve our mission to advance and support public sector leaders, we seek to maintain and strengthen the relationship between the program, current students and alumni.
In April 2024, we hosted our Annual Spring Virtual Networking Event with more than 20 attendees. During NC State University’s 2024 Day of Giving, the PA Alumni Society Board had 100% participation, raising $1,055 towards our scholarship endowment.
In October 2024, we hosted Claudia Odom Hager, deputy county manager of Durham County, at our annual Fall luncheon and learned vital lessons in leadership from the public sector trenches. The luncheon continues to be a pivotal space for networking and engagement between current students, alumni, and faculty.
We also welcomed several new members to the PA Alumni Society Board for the 2024-2025 academic year. Alexis Addison (MPA 2020), consultant at CREO Consulting, will continue to serve as president, and has served on the board for three years. Lindsey Davis (MPA 2019), senior budget and management analyst with Wake County, will continue to serve as vice president. Ryne Crout Jones (MPA 2020), a faculty member at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, serves as secretary. Diane Upshaw (MPA 1999), a senior budget analyst for the NC Administrative Office of the Courts, will continue to serve as treasurer. Brent Hazelett (MPA 1999), CEO of Hidradenitis Suppurativa Foundation, Inc., will continue to serve as scholarship chair. At-large board members include Jack Ahern (MPA 2017), Hunter Huffman (MPA 2015), Mitchell Moravec (MPA 2020), Zach Perry (MPA 2023), Savannah Russell (MPA 2022), Rayvon Walker (MPA 2019), and Gary Wood, Jr. (MPA 2021).
Alexis Addison, PA Alumni Society President
The PA Alumni Society hosts two events each year that focus on networking, developing connections across public sectors and contributing to the MPA Alumni Society Scholarship Endowment. In addition, it awards two scholarships to outstanding students, one to an in-service student and one to a pre-service student. We greatly appreciate everyone who donates and are especially thankful to those who have made a multi-year pledge toward a larger contribution goal. Your continued support is a wonderful testament to your generosity.
If you have ideas about how to help the PA Alumni Society expand and enhance our work, we would love to help you implement your idea. We strive to be the humblest, yet most impactful public administration program in North Carolina. The board meets once a month (last Thursday at noon via Zoom) and we welcome you to get involved and stay connected.
If you would like to become more involved with the alumni society, or have any questions, contact Alexis Addison at alexisperryaddison@gmail.com. – Alexis Addison
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