WCU MPA Program

10/11/2026

Thank you to everyone who came to our social on Thursday! We loved getting to know you all better outside of the classroom. One of our students in attendance is our feature for this week: Rebecca Familette! Enjoy the mini Q&A that Rebecca shared with us.
What are you most excited about this year as an MPA student?
Thanks to the generosity of WCU donors, I am finally returning to my educational goals after 6 years of focusing on my professional career. I also have a chance to build strong connections with other fantastic local public service professionals!

How will your MPA degree help you contribute to making Western North Carolina a better place?
My goal is to combine the knowledge learned in this program with the experience I have and will obtain so that I may directly strengthen the programming and outreach I do in my current and future roles in local government recreation. It will give me more tools for my toolbox to provide and facilitate joy, safety, and resources for others to live a fulfilling life.

Share a public service experience that has been meaningful to you.
After Tropical Storm Helene hit, I was able to work at vital water and food distribution centers around Asheville to get residents the resources they needed and saw firsthand how a community comes together under pressure. I connected with so many amazing people in those difficult months, from impacted residents to volunteers coming from all over the United States. However of course, it was such an incredible relief to welcome our community members back to the community center where I work, which is a place primarily focused on active older adult programming. We held a luncheon to celebrate returning and continue sharing resources for any who need them, even if that resource is just a listening ear. It was hard, both mentally and physically, but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

10/02/2026

10/01/2026

Looking for more opportunities to network with other MPA students, alum and professionals? Join us at ALGC Tailgating this Saturday, October 3rd!

09/22/2026

Join us October 8th for our annual fall MPA social at Hickory Tavern! This will be a great opportunity to network with fellow MPA students, faculty, alumni and our community partners. If you haven't already received a calendar invite, email Mina or Dr. Rimes for more details.

09/16/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Cooper on his award of best paper published in volume 4 of the Journal of Election Administration Research and Practice! The abstract from the paper is included below:

"State election administrative data are frequently used by scholars, election administrators, and policy entrepreneurs to assess the behavior of the American electorate and the performance of American elections. But what if these data are less reliable than they once were because voters are increasingly less likely to identify their demographic characteristics? This paper seeks to understand this
trend—referred to as registration roll-off—by addressing the state of the problem, its correlates, and the implications for election administration. Using evidence from
North Carolina, it appears registration roll-off is increasing. About 28 percent of all
registered voters are missing at least one piece of optional demographic data. The
explanation appears to be rooted in generational tendencies, administrative
decisions, and bureaucratic discretion."

09/07/2026

Alumni Ashlyn McCoy shares her experience after graduating from WCU (twice!)
"After earning my Bachelor of Science in Political Science and my Master of Public Affairs—both from Western Carolina University—I’ve had the opportunity to serve in a variety of roles that have deepened my passion for public service and community impact.
My journey began with internships in local government, and over the years, I’ve served as an Executive Director in affordable housing, worked in nonprofit leadership, and taught as an adjunct professor. Each of these experiences has shaped my understanding of service, leadership, and the importance of supporting others.
The education and hands-on experiences I received at WCU played a pivotal role in shaping my career path. The mentorship from faculty, the opportunities to engage in real-world public service projects, and the strong foundation in policy and leadership equipped me with the skills and confidence to navigate and lead in the public and nonprofit sectors.
Today, I’m honored to serve as a Senior Advisor, fundraising for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway program at ALSAC–St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital—a place I dreamed of working for years. The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is one of the largest awareness and fundraising programs for St. Jude, offering supporters the chance to win a beautiful new home while helping save the lives of children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
It’s a privilege to play a small part in this life-saving mission, and I know none of it would be possible without the education, experiences, and mentorship I received at WCU.
Go Cats!"
Looking for more opportunities to connect with alumni, fellow students and public affairs professionals? Join the ALGC Tailgate and networking opportunity on October 3rd!

09/01/2026

Throughout the year we love to spotlight our students. First up this year, we have Albert Crowe Jr. sharing how he hopes to use his MPA degree to impact Western North Carolina:
"I am the GM of food and beverage at Harrah’s Cherokee casino & resort. My main goal in my role is to contribute to tribal distribution which helps fund housing, higher education opportunities, healthcare for all enrolled members especially elders. Funds from the casino also go directly distributed to enrolled members of the EBCI to enrich their lives and help prevent all natives from falling victim of the many pitfalls than often stifle the success of the Cherokee people. I want to use what I learn from the MPA program to help the tribal government prosper and flourish moving forward."

08/23/2026

We had a great first week of classes with our MPA students and can't wait to see what the year brings!

08/18/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Grandage! We're so excited for this well-deserved promotion and look forward to many more successful years with him in the WCU PSPA department!

08/07/2026

Earlier this year Dr. Rimes published the article "Giving at Work: Exploring Connections Between Workplace Giving Campaigns and Patterns of Household Charitable Giving in the USA." Follow the link to read the article!
https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/voluntas/article/abs/giving-at-work-exploring-connections-between-workplace-giving-campaigns-and-patterns-of-household-charitable-giving-in-the-usa/82F5440EE6A6D0FA6CFB83F3BFD9116E?utm_id=97758_v0_s00_e0_tv4_a1demo0ef3wl42&fbclid=IwY2xjawSgwSZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZA81MTQ3NzE1NjkyMjgwNjEAAR6GuRwya1JYx4jy2H1tlkTxCqjHz1_RsxUJQZez1iPa0AsCUEgMp2vXsNUlsA_aem_UT_hQjzoG0hnIojTuvdNRQ