The UNC School of Government is proud to share the continued success of its Master of Public Administration program. Now in its 27^th year at the School, the UNC-Chapel Hill MPA has once again been named one of “America’s Best Graduate Schools” by U.S. News & World Report in its 2025 rankings.

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.

A study commissioned by the American Journal of Prescriptive Medicine examining the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) found that (1) the ten traumatic childhood experiences included in the study are common experiences and (2) that increased exposure to ACEs was related to increased risk for negative health and well-being outcomes and life opportunities including education and employment.

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. 

More than 20 years ago, members of the North Carolina City/County Management Association (NCCCMA) identified a need for advanced professional development. They envisioned a program that would serve the state’s senior executive leaders in local government: department heads, assistant managers, and managers. And when North Carolina’s local governments are in need, the UNC School of Government answers the call.

UNC School of Government Dean Emeritus Mike Smith has been named a winner of the 2023 Governor James E. Holshouser, Jr. Award for Excellence in Public Service.