NKU MPA: 2025 Part Two

     Hello all! Since my last posting there have been several new and interesting goings-on here at NKU and within the MPA program! Students have been well underway with their courses and for many midterms have arrived. Testing around this time can sometimes be quite a challenge, I know that personally I almost prefer finals to midterms. Mid-course tests or projects always seem to sneak up on me, far more so than finals do. 

    With regard to the MPA program itself, I recently had the privilege to attend the Winter 2025 KCCMA Conference at the Griffin Gate Resort in Lexington, Kentucky! The event was very informative and the type of event which young professionals and students in their pre-career stages would benefit from attending. The meeting itself included the presentations of many esteemed panelists, all of whom discussed useful and interesting information. Topics included the status of medical cannabis implementation in the Commonwealth, Kentucky state legislature updates, cybersecurity for local governments, and many more. The amenities provided were top-notch and all in attendance appeared to enjoy themselves.

    My fellow MPA students and myself were treated to a very insightful hour of communication from Randy Reid, the Southeast Regional Director for the International City/County Manager Association (ICCMA). Randy shared with us various anecdotes and tips about beginning careers in city or county management, as well as the public sector in general. Each student was able to ask Randy questions and as a result I believe that every student benefitted from Randy's experience. If any of this sounds at all interesting to you and you are either a current or prospective NKU MPA student, then look out for the KCCMA Conference scholarship opportunity next year! I applied for the scholarship this year when I was made aware of its existence. This year three NKU MPA students were awarded the scholarship and were able to attend! Make sure that you read the MPA student newsletter and check the NKU MPA Facebook page for up to date information! NKU MPA Facebook 

    In general NKU news, I also happily attended in and participated in the Student Wellness Fair which was hosted on March 4th in the Student Union Ballroom. The Center for Student Engagement, the Dean of Students, Dr. Bob Alston, and many many others collaborated in a joint effort to provide students with a fun and interactive way to learn about all of the resources students at NKU have access to. Tables housed many favorite student resources such as the Care Closet, FUEL NKU, and Steely Library. Many other important resources such as the Adult/Transfer Office, Norse Violence Prevention, and other vital student resources were present. Students were given a numbered card at check-in, then they were encouraged to visit each table. Representatives of each organization or resource at the tables would then discuss what they were representing before marking off their corresponding number on the card. The more numbers filled in and presented at the check-out station, the greater the chance that the student would receive raffled prizes. Additionally, students were given seven raffle tickets to place into bags corresponding to the item of their choice. I placed all seven of mine into the bag for a new radio/cd player, I have not had one of those in quite a long while. 

    Following the Student Wellness Fair an event called "Don't Blame It On The Alcohol" took place. Unfortunately, I was unable to attend, but I am sure it proved to be an enjoyable time. The event was an interactive workshop coordinated by the Center for Student Engagement, Norse Violence Prevention, and African American Student Initiatives and was themed around safe sex practices, alcohol, and violence prevention through the lens of music. A sexual health resource fair also took place corresponding to the event. 

    Needless to say, there are lots of events and things going on at NKU and MPA students can participate in all of them, including ones unique to the MPA program coming up soon as well. Finally, I have recently assumed the full mantle of President of the Public Administration Student Society (PASS) the organization is currently at something of an impasse and I am likely to work on it from the ground up. All students are welcome to participate, if you are interested please reach out to me at pricel6@mymail.nku.edu!