SUU Master of Public Administration Program Reaccredited by NASPAA

Published: September 20, 2021 | Author: Lyndsey Nelson | Read Time: 2 minutes

SUU Master of Public Administration Program Reaccredited by NASPAAAs the new year begins, Southern Utah University is proud to announce that the Master of Public Administration Program has been reaccredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration. The MPA further rings in change with the announcement of new program director Dr. Donna Handley.

SUU’s Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a masters degree program in which students can earn their MPA in as few as 12 months. The program is designed to function at the student’s pace and can be completed entirely online. Students can concentrate their studies in state and local government, higher education administration, and criminal justice.

In the 14 years since the MPA was established at SUU, more than 400 students have earned their master’s degrees. This next year, 128 students are enrolled in the program with the application deadline open until September 8.

The Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) has accredited over 200 schools representing 11 different countries throughout the world. The NASPAA rewards schools who demonstrate an ability to prepare students to:

  1. Lead and manage in public governance
  2. Participate in and contribute to the public policy process
  3. Analyze, synthesize, think critically, solve problems and make decisions
  4. Articulate and apply a public service perspective
  5. Communicate and interact productively with a diverse and changing workforce & citizenry

SUU was first accredited by the NASPAA in 2014, and this reaccreditation serves as a seal of approval for the program and the efforts of former MPA director Dr. Angela Pool-Funai.

Incoming program director Dr. Donna Handley was drawn to SUU by this very dedication that has earned the program reaccreditation.

“The dedication of the faculty, students, and alumni to the success of this program is what attracted me to SUU,” said Dr. Handley. “In this environment, students are celebrated and standards are high.”

Dr. Handley intends to continue pursuing the goals of the NASPAA during her time as the MPA Program director.

“Our goal is that students are equipped with the tools they need to lead and manage in the public and nonprofit sectors,” said Dr. Handley. “Strategic decision-making skills, oral and written communication, and ethics and cultural competency are among our priorities in the SUU MPA Program.”

SUU is excited to welcome Dr. Handley to our recently reaccredited program and we look forward to seeing the program grow under her leadership.

SUU’S MPA Program provides an intellectual, collaborative and engaging learning environment where practical and theoretical concepts of public administration are presented within the historical, political, social, cultural and economic contexts. Learn more about the SUU MPA Program.


Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Public Administration

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