Empowering Future Public Service Leaders at GGU

Thanks so much for joining us for this Q&A, Dr. Britt. Before we dive into the details of the program, can you share an overview of your background and how your experience led you to the MPA program at GGU?

My background is quite diverse. I’ve held public service roles at the local level and with the U.S. Department of Education. I’m also a retired military veteran with experience in the private sector and international work with USAID and teaching abroad. My connection with Golden Gate University goes back to the 1980s when I pursued my Doctor of Public Administration here. One of my professors, Dr. Otto Butz, the former university president, instilled in me a profound sense of responsibility and genuine care for our students, a philosophy I carry forward in my leadership.

As an alumnus with a DPA from GGU, I returned in the mid-2000s and progressed from adjunct professor roles to my current position as Associate Director of the MPA program. This long-term involvement has allowed me to mentor many students, particularly veterans, with whom I share a unique understanding. My varied experiences, both within and outside academia, deeply inform my approach to leading this program.

What would you say sets GGU’s Master of Public Administration program apart from other universities with similar programs?

Golden Gate University’s MPA program is one of the oldest in the Bay Area and the nation. We pride ourselves on the quality of instruction, affordability, and accessibility of our program, offering online and hybrid learning options to accommodate working professionals.

A unique aspect of our history is that we were, for a time, an Executive MPA program, requiring several years of work experience for admission. This created a rich classroom environment with seasoned professionals, including many military retirees bringing decades of leadership and management expertise.

While that experience was invaluable, we’ve evolved to a traditional MPA program that no longer mandates extensive prior work experience. Imagine a classroom where a seasoned 20-year veteran collaborates with someone just starting their career – this mirrors the intergenerational teams they will encounter in their professional lives.

What truly distinguishes GGU is our faculty. They are practitioners – individuals with hands-on experience in the fields they teach. The instructors bring real-world case studies and insights into the classroom, allowing students to apply what they learn immediately in their workplaces. I often tell students that what they learn in our classes over a weekend can be applied directly to their work the very next day.

The faculty’s practical industry experience does seem like a major benefit for students. Could you share some examples of the backgrounds and industries the MPA faculty come from?

Yes, our faculty’s real-world experience is a cornerstone of the GGU MPA program. For example, Dr. Alan Roper, who teaches our capstone course (the culmination of the program) and research methodology, has been with GGU for over two decades and also holds a significant position at UCLA. His dual experience in academia and a major public institution provides students with invaluable insights into both theoretical frameworks and practical application.

We also have faculty like Dr. Aihua Zelinsky, who has a long history with our MPA program and also leads GGU’s outreach program in China. Her diverse background and international experience enrich classroom discussions. Dr. Pervaiz Masih, previously at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, brings a wealth of experience in cross-cultural communication and training, vital in today’s globalized world.

These are just a few examples of the many experienced professionals who dedicate their time to shaping the next generation of public service leaders at GGU. They often draw upon their daily experiences to illustrate concepts and provide relevant case studies, making the learning truly impactful.

For those interested in applying to the program, is there a particular “ideal” candidate for the MPA, or is it truly open to a wider range of individuals?

I would say our program is more open than you might think. We welcome students from diverse backgrounds and encourage them to explore their interests. The MPA program is housed within the Ageno School of Business, placing it alongside programs like the MBA, psychology, and finance. This holistic environment reflects the interconnectedness of these fields in the real world.

Whether it’s the regulations that impact your daily life or the policies shaping our society, public administration is fundamental. I often tell my students that public administration is the framework upon which everything else operates. Consider this: since the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the subsequent development of our capitalistic society rooted in Adam Smith’s “Wealth of Nations,” public administration has been the essential underpinning.

Whether it’s through direct public service or governance via contracts, public administration is the invisible yet vital structure that enables everything else. I challenge every student to name one thing they do in a 24-hour period that isn’t touched by public administration – from the regulatory aspects ensuring our safety and well-being to the various types of public policy (regulatory, distributive, redistributive, and constituent) that shape our lives.

So, we don’t seek a specific “ideal” candidate based on prior experience. Instead, we welcome individuals with a genuine interest in understanding and shaping the world around them. I often ask, “What is it that interests you?” or, taking a different approach, “What do you not want to do?” This helps students identify the areas within public administration that resonate with them. A background in any field can be valuable, as public administration touches every aspect of our lives.

What do you see as some of the biggest challenges in public administration today, and how does this program prepare students for those challenges?

It’s crucial to look at challenges in public administration through a historical lens, considering aggregates rather than isolated incidents. We have 249 years of democratic history in the U.S., and understanding that context is vital.

However, in the current climate, we see significant discussions around the role and function of the administrative state. Our program addresses these challenges by providing a strong foundation in the principles of public administration, including ethics, policy analysis, and organizational leadership. We encourage students to think critically and understand the historical and contemporary forces shaping the field.

Furthermore, our specialized concentrations in Digital Technology and Security, Law Enforcement and Security, and Urban Innovations directly address current trends and demands in these critical areas. We equip our graduates with the knowledge and skills to navigate these complex challenges effectively.

In addition to gaining that perspective on public administration challenges, could you elaborate on some of the key skills that students will be able to take away from the program?

Our MPA program, housed within the Ageno School of Business, is designed to provide a very comprehensive skill set. Students develop a strong understanding of public service theory, ethics, and practice. They learn research methodologies to analyze data and present findings effectively. They gain expertise in public policy development, program evaluation, organizational analysis, leadership, public finance, public service law, and personnel management.

Beyond this foundational curriculum, I credit Dr. Jay Gonzalez for recognizing the need to address emerging trends, which led to the development of three specialized concentrations: Digital Technology and Security, which addresses the critical intersection of technology, AI, and security in the public sphere; Law Enforcement and Security, which acknowledges the enduring need for expertise in maintaining law and order; and Urban Innovations, which focuses on the vital issues of city planning, environmental sustainability, and diversity, equity, and inclusion at the regional level.

Ultimately, graduates leave the program with enhanced critical thinking skills, a strong ethical framework, and the practical knowledge to lead and manage effectively in diverse organizational settings. They are prepared to address complex challenges and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

Once students graduate from the program, what kinds of career paths are they able to pursue?

Because our faculty are practice-driven, we foster critical thinking in our students. This empowers them to determine their own paths. Graduates pursue a wide range of careers across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Some may be drawn to the financial aspects, seeking roles as liaison or public relations officers in private companies. Others are more interested in direct service and making a tangible difference in people’s lives, perhaps working in government agencies or nonprofits.

We equip students with the analytical skills to understand complex issues and develop effective solutions. Our focus isn’t on dictating a specific career path but on developing well-rounded professionals who can adapt and thrive in various roles.

Thank you for sharing those insights. Before we go, is there anything about this program that a prospective student should know when considering where to earn their MPA degree?

Beyond the details of our curriculum and faculty, I want to underscore our commitment to being practical, relevant, and attuned to the realities of the working world. We embrace intergenerational learning, recognizing the valuable perspectives that students with diverse experiences bring to the classroom. While we provide a strong foundation in classical public administration theories, we are equally focused on contemporary issues and meeting students where they are in their professional journeys. We understand that our students are often juggling careers, families, and other responsibilities, and our program’s flexibility reflects that understanding.

We are incredibly excited that the MPA program will now be 27 units, down from 36 units, starting this year. This makes the program more accessible and affordable for a wider range of students while maintaining the same high level of instruction. The learning objectives and outcomes remain rigorous, but the reduced unit requirement offers a more streamlined path to graduation, typically within 18 months.

Finally, at Golden Gate University, we are invested in our students’ success. We are not just handing out degrees; we are building a community of capable and ethical public service leaders. Our faculty are deeply committed to helping students succeed. We’ve all been in your shoes, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. We are always happy to connect with prospective students. As Associate Director, I am personally available to connect with those who want to learn more. If you have any questions or need more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us directly.