Faculty & Leadership
The School of Government employs more than 50 full-time faculty and more than 80 staff members in research, management, and administrative positions. It is integral for us to lead by example to prepare our MPA students to make an impact in the field of public service. That’s why our MPA@UNC faculty bring diversity, scholarship, relevant research, and real-world expertise to our virtual classrooms. Here are just a few of the faculty members making a difference at MPA@UNC.
Click here for a full list of MPA faculty.
Monica R. Allen, PhD
A natural leader, Monica Allen serves as an active board member for groups including Girls Research Alliance and Women’s Intercultural Exchange while teaching Local Government as an adjunct instructor.
Maureen Berner, MPP, PhD
Maureen Berner joined the School of Government in 1998, teaching courses on topics including program evaluation, statistics, and budgeting. She has used her expertise in research methods to help the North Carolina Hunger Project better understand hunger and food insecurity in the state.
Whitney Afonso, PhD
Prior to joining the School of Government in 2012, Whitney Afonso taught in the Department of Public Administration and Policy at the University of Georgia. A published author and researcher, Afonso was recognized by Public Budgeting & Finance with its Jesse Burkhead Award in 2016.
Jonathan Morgan, PhD
Jonathan Morgan brought his expertisem in economics to the School of Government in 2003, where he currently serves as course director for the annual Basic Economic Development Course. He has served as research and policy director for the NC Institute of Minority Economic Development to help minority-owned businesses grow. Morgan currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors of the International Economic Development Council.
Jonathan Morgan, PhDProgram Staff
Our program staff brings diverse experiences in higher education and a wide range of expertise to lead UNC's MPA program.