It’s December 1, 2023. Five Points Crossing is weeks away from opening, and all its apartments are already leased. Fifty households will soon be moving into brand-new, energy-efficient units in downtown Rocky Mount, with amenities like a playground, fitness center, and a covered rooftop terrace with views.

UNC-Chapel Hill introduces Richard Livingston, UNC MPA student, in video about his drive toward public service.

There are many numbers and statistics floating around in Richard Livingston’s mind each day, but one stands out among the rest. 

“The statistic is that 50 to 75% of local government workers are nearing retirement age,” he said. “So there’s definitely a dearth of young people interested in local government. 

If you’ve turned on the TV, streamed music, or logged onto social media in North Carolina recently, you’ve likely seen ads for online sports betting companies inundating your feed. This is because legal online sports betting went live in North Carolina for the first time this month, on March 11, 2024.

UNC Master of Public Administration students gain the opportunity to apply their skills and knowledge in the real world by completing the Professional Work Experience (PWE). A required part of the MPA curriculum, the PWE helps students explore new projects and experience working at different public service organizations, while also deciding what areas of public service are the best fit for them.