Student Testimonials

MPA Class of Fall 2024

Bianca Cuccerre

The MPA program at WTAMU offers a diverse range of subjects such as criminal justice, public financing, and emergency management, ensuring that students gain a comprehensive grasp of public policy and management practices. As a student who is working full time for a city, I was able to balance both and pull things from our courses that I can use in real time. The course work is challenging in the best way – each course pushes me to think deeper about public policy and administration, and I’ve gained so much practical knowledge that I know will be useful in my career. I’ve also enjoyed the supportive community within the program. Everyone, from the faculty to my fellow students, was friendly and eager to help, making this experience even more enjoyable. If you’re passionate about public service, I highly recommend the MPA program at WT!

- Bianca Cuccerre, Communications Manager, City of West University Place (Houston area).

Second Year MPA Student

Michael Bruden

I have learned my lessons during my career with the fire service, but none is more important than the need to continually seek educational opportunities. When I decided to go back to college in 2021 after serving 20 years in the Abilene Fire Department, I had concerns about the cost of college, online learning, and the class format. The fears I had quickly vanished with the assistance of the professors, other students, and tutorials for the programs. Now I am in my second year of the MPA program at WTAMU and doing extremely well. WTAMU has worked hard to make the process of going to college easier than ever before. Everyone from the business office, financial aid, advising, and the professors are responsive, accessible, and easy to work with. Without the help of WTAMU, I would not have been able to return to college. The inclusion of the fire fighter waiver for the MPA program in 2023 was a game changer, allowing me to take advantage of a great program to further my education. If you’re looking to move up in the area of emergency management or fire services, the MPA at WT will help you do that.

– Michael Bruden, Deputy Chief of Emergency Services, Abilene, TX.

MPA Class of 2023

America Baca

My name is America Baca, and I am one of the first graduates of the MPA program at WTAMU. When I started, I was nervous about the requirements, but the professors were incredibly accommodating and helpful. Being able to take classes online while working made the program perfect for what I wanted to do. Professors were always quick to respond to my questions and made me a priority. I'm so glad I chose this program because it perfectly aligns with my interest in public administration and helps me understand the complexities of managing public resources and policies. I would gladly take the program again. After graduating, I was promoted to Assistant Chief Juvenile Probation Officer. I've reached out to my former professors about job openings, and they've pointed me in several directions. It's great to know they continue to support their students even after graduation.

– America Baca, Assistant Chief Juvenile Probation Officer, Dumas, TX.