A Message from the Public Administration Chair

Program Strength

Despite the difficult circumstances and challenges that we all have encountered over the past year, there is much to celebrate about our MPA and Ph.D. programs. The MPA program remains one of the “Best Public Affairs Programs” in the country (ranked #48 overall and #33 among public universities) and one of the best programs in Nonprofit Management (ranked #26 overall). 

I am sad to announce that Dr. David Garson will retire at the end of this school year. Dr. Garson has been central to the development of countless scholars and students over the years, including myself. He has authored countless textbooks read by students around the world who are interested in learning about statistical applications in the social sciences. He is a fantastic colleague and a good friend. We wish him the happiest of retirements. 

With a mixture of excitement and sadness, I would also like to announce the departure of Dr. Jason Coupet, who will continue his policy analysis work and research on the efficiency of institutions at Georgia State University. While at NC State, Dr Coupet’s work was featured in several national newspapers and top tier academic journals. For his effort, he was awarded the distinction of University Faculty Scholar in 2020. While I regret that our students will no longer gain from his insights in the classroom, we will continue to follow with great interest his work in the field of public administration and nonprofits.  

Faculty Excellence

 This year Dr. Tom Birkland received the Aaron Wildavsky Enduring Contribution Award “for the best book or article published in the general area of public policy during the past 20-30 years, generating a major impact on the field.” The American Political Science Association recognizes only the most accomplished scholars in political science with this prestigious distinction. 

I am proud to announce that the university recognized Dr. Jim Brunet for his excellence and commitment to community engagement. Dr. Brunet was awarded the Outstanding Engagement Award for 2022. Recipients of this award have an outstanding record of contributions to extension or engagement in the community. For the past 20 years, Dr. Brunet has helped prepare law enforcement officers for leadership positions so that they may serve their communities fairly, ethically, and competently within their respective agencies within North Carolina and beyond.

Finally, a big thanks to each of you for your ongoing commitment to PA. From the generous donations to the MPA scholarship and discretionary funds, to attending annual alumni events, to the reputation benefits we accrue by counting you as alumni, we are so grateful for your support.