Student & Alumni Profiles

Meet UNC Online MPA Students

When you earn your MPA online from the UNC School of Government, your classroom includes driven professionals from all over the country—and the world. Some of our students work with local, state, and federal governments. Others effect change in private or nonprofit arenas. They are parents, service members, and athletes.

We believe our students’ diverse backgrounds, strengths, and interests—as well as their shared dedication to the public good—strengthens our Carolina community and enhances your education. Meet some of them in the spotlights below.

MPA@UNC Student Spotlight

Lorrie Fair Allen

Lorrie is a global public servant, a former Olympian, and now a two-time Carolina student. As an undergraduate at UNC-Chapel Hill, she distinguished herself as a world-class athlete, winning three NCAA championships, the FIFA World Cup, and a silver medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. She also discovered her passion for public service and leadership.

Since then, Allen has parlayed her athletic and academic talents into professional opportunities that support diplomatic missions around the world. As program director for the Charlize Theron Africa Outreach Project, she knew she needed strong policy, advocacy, and program-related skills—so she returned to Carolina to earn her MPA.

Emily Hall Bausch

Critical-Crisis Communications Specialist

Tracy Miles

Deputy Director

Joseph Pierce

Town Manager

Justin Stirewalt

Detective

Megan Garrett

Events Director

Gary Rosche

Deputy Tax Collector

Mike Silver

Assistant District Attorney

Brent Thompson

Judge Advocate, US Army

John Mark Wilson

Operations Officer, US Army

Elizabeth Lo

IT Director

Luis “Felipe” Martinez

Supervisory Economist Section Chief

Meredith Marlier

Special Education Teacher

Meet UNC Online MPA Alumni

Regardless of how you apply your MPA degree, relationships are core to your development as a leader, colleague, and public servant. A strong network—built on meaningful connections—can help you navigate every phase of your career.

At Carolina, your network never stops growing: Our global alumni community offers helpful programs, events, and engagement opportunities that you can continue to access throughout your career. Get to know some of our incredible alumni in the spotlights below.

MPA@UNC Alumnus Spotlight

Kiia Owens

Alumni

Ruth Rivas

Alumni

Jeremy Schmidt

Alumni

Build Your Career and Network at Carolina

Learn how UNC’s online MPA program can help you expand your network and forge meaningful relationships with other ambitious professionals.


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