Villanova University Master of Public Administration

🎓 Congratulations to all our MPA graduates! Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to public service have led you to this incredible milestone. We are proud to celebrate your achievements and cannot wait to see the impact you will continue to make as future leaders in your communities and beyond. 💙✨

Faculty Spotlight 🌟 Veracelle Vega — Adjunct Professor of Public Administration at Villanova University and Chief People Officer at an e-commerce beauty company — is dedicated to developing thoughtful, people-centered leaders. With a focus on leadership, human capital management, and organizational culture, Veracelle brings practical insight, mentorship, and cross-sector experience into the classroom.

👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/etjSViez

Public service doesn’t end when the workday does—it shows up in the transparency, access, and trust built every day.

At Villanova University Public Administration, Beyond the Desk highlights professionals like Leah Lewis, Right-to-Know Officer for Delaware County—who helps ensure the public can access the information that keeps government accountable.

From responding to public records requests to providing documents like budgets, audits, and police records, Leah turns information into empowerment—making government more open, understandable, and accessible for all.

Because public administration isn’t just a career—it’s a commitment to the common good.

Interested in being featured? Alumni can share their story here: https://lnkd.in/eqYzwjgu

Student Spotlight 🌟 Elene Shonia — a first-year MPA student at Villanova University, brings a global perspective to public service and policy. Originally from Georgia with a background in Law, Elene is passionate about building more inclusive and effective systems that better serve communities. Her experience with the Georgian Football Federation, where she supported the Women’s U-17 National Team, reflects her strong commitment to leadership and empowerment. We’re proud to highlight her journey and dedication to making an impact.

👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/etjSViez

Faculty Spotlight 🌟 Brian McLaughlin — a Court Executive with the New Jersey Judiciary and Adjunct Faculty member in Public Administration at Villanova University, is dedicated to preparing students for impactful careers in public service. With a focus on leadership, organizational effectiveness, and real-world application, Brian brings practical insight and mentorship into the classroom. A New Jersey native with experience at the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, he is committed to fostering ethical, people-centered systems.

👉 Read more: https://lnkd.in/etjSViez

Congratulations to all of our new Pi Alpha Alpha inductees! 🎉

We are proud to recognize this outstanding group of PSA and MPA students for their academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to public service.

Our induction ceremony, held on Thursday, April 23, was a wonderful celebration of your achievements and the bright futures ahead of you. We’re excited to see the impact you will make!

Well deserved—congratulations again!

Public service doesn’t end when the workday does—it shows up in the decisions, dedication, and impact made every day.

At Villanova University Public Administration, Beyond the Desk highlights professionals like our alumnus Christopher Parayno, MPA—Town Planner for Swansea, Massachusetts—who helps guide how communities grow and evolve through thoughtful planning, zoning, and development.

From reviewing proposals to collaborating with local boards and shaping policy, Christopher turns planning into progress—helping create more functional, livable spaces for residents and businesses alike.

Because public administration isn’t just a career—it’s a commitment to the common good.

Interested in being featured? Alumni can share their story here: https://lnkd.in/eqYzwjgu

REMINDER: Join Us for an Engaging Campus Event: Budget Principles & Priorities

On Tuesday, April 21, 2026, from 1:00–3:00 PM, we’re hosting an interactive session in the Curley Exchange, Bartley Hall, focused on one of the most pressing questions facing our nation:

👉 How should we approach reducing the federal budget deficit?

During this hands-on workshop, you’ll step into the role of a member of Congress and work through the complex decisions, tradeoffs, and compromises that shape responsible fiscal policy.

This event is open to all students, faculty, and staff—and yes, pizza and refreshments will be provided!

✅ Register here: https://lnkd.in/eSvCxhxN

We hope you’ll join us for this timely and thought-provoking discussion!

Student Spotlight 🌟 Sofia Ries — a first-year MPA student at Villanova University, is a future leader in public service and community impact. Passionate about nonprofit work and policy, Sofia is dedicated to expanding access to mental health care and strengthening communities through research and engagement. We’re proud to highlight her journey and commitment to making a difference.

👉 Read more: https://mpaleaderslounge.wordpress.com/?_gl=1*jbpxgn*_gcl_au*MjM2ODkyMDMxLjE3NzMwNjU0MjY.

Come celebrate the spirit of our global community! 🌍✨
Take a break, reconnect, and share in an afternoon of culture, conversation, and international cuisine—you won’t want to miss it!

RSVP Link:https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=5Y1adpTP8EScr65b-M-jZnD2Gvl1sjBCrEEBQT5oiNJUMElITFVZWjJHNDFIQ01CUVEwOTY1MDdRTi4u&route=shorturl