University of Memphis Public & Nonprofit Administration

University of Memphis Public & Nonprofit Administration Join the next generation of nonprofit and government leaders! Why Go Public?

The 39 hour Masters in Public Administration is a general-purpose public management degree for individuals interested in careers in government or nonprofit organizations. Our curriculum focuses on developing critical thinking and analytical skills necessary to effectively manage and lead in today's public and nonprofit sectors with a special emphasis on the policy issues and challenges facing Memp

his and the greater Mid-South region. A Flexible Program Designed with the Working Professional in Mind

Many of our MPA students are working full-time and earning their MPA degree at the same time. All traditional classroom-based courses are offered in the evenings to accommodate working professionals

About 25 percent of our courses are also offered in online formats.

Celebrating Our DPNA Community! 🎉 Last Thursday, the Department of Public & Nonprofit Administration at the University o...
05/11/2026

Celebrating Our DPNA Community! 🎉

Last Thursday, the Department of Public & Nonprofit Administration at the University of Memphis proudly hosted our Graduates, Honors, and Awards Reception — an evening dedicated to recognizing the incredible achievements of our students, alumni, faculty, and supporters.

From celebrating our graduates to honoring outstanding award recipients, the event highlighted the hard work, leadership, service, and impact that define the DPNA community. We are so proud of all who were recognized and grateful to everyone who joined us in making the evening so special.

Congratulations again to all of our graduates and award honorees! Your dedication to public and nonprofit service continues to inspire us all. 👏

Photos from the reception below!

Another commencement on the books! Congratulations to all our Spring 2026 graduates!!!
05/10/2026

Another commencement on the books! Congratulations to all our Spring 2026 graduates!!!

We are proud to share that Dr. Sharon Wrobel , Chair & Associate Professor of the Dept. of Public & Nonprofit Administra...
04/16/2026

We are proud to share that Dr. Sharon Wrobel , Chair & Associate Professor of the Dept. of Public & Nonprofit Administration, has been awarded the Mentor Award at the 2026 Graduate Student Awards, part of the President’s Leadership Awards & Honors Assembly at the University of Memphis!

Dr. Wrobel’s dedication to mentoring students, fostering academic growth, and preparing future leaders in public and nonprofit service continues to make a lasting impact. Her guidance and support truly embody what it means to lead with purpose.

Please join us in congratulating her on this incredible achievement! 👏💪

🎉🏆 Big Announcement 🏆🎉We are incredibly proud to announce Deanie Parker as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. David Cox Disti...
04/16/2026

🎉🏆 Big Announcement 🏆🎉

We are incredibly proud to announce Deanie Parker as the recipient of the 2026 Dr. David Cox Distinguished Alumni Award 🏆

A graduate of our MPA program at the University of Memphis, Ms. Parker’s career represents an extraordinary legacy at the intersection of arts, culture, and public service. From helping shape the iconic sound of Stax Records to leading transformative community institutions, her journey reflects a powerful blend of creativity, leadership, and impact.

As an original member of Stax Records, Ms. Parker contributed as a performer, songwriter, and pioneering publicist, helping elevate the work of legendary artists such as Isaac Hayes, Otis Redding, and the Staple Singers 🎶✨ Her work helped define an era of American soul music and amplify voices that continue to resonate around the world.

Her impact extends far beyond music. Ms. Parker has served in executive leadership roles with The Regional Medical Center, Memphis in May, and as the first President and CEO of Soulsville. In this role, she helped lead the revitalization of the historic Stax legacy through the creation of the Stax Museum of American Soul Music, Stax Music Academy, and Soulsville Charter School—ensuring that the cultural and educational impact of Soulsville continues for generations to come.

Her career is marked by remarkable achievements and national recognition, including two Emmy Awards for the documentary I Am A Man, a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Association of Independent Music, and a place on the Beale Street Walk of Fame 💫

We look forward to celebrating and honoring Ms. Parker at DPNA's Graduate, Honors, and Awards Reception on May 7.

From her roots in the Mississippi Delta to her lasting impact in Memphis and beyond, Ms. Parker’s work exemplifies the power of public service, cultural preservation, and visionary leadership.

Please join us in celebrating and congratulating Deanie Parker on this well-deserved honor 👏💙✨

04/15/2026

Graduate Student Appreciation Month is still going strong at the University of Memphis! 🎉

As part of Graduate Student Appreciation Month, we’re hosting a variety of events to support and recognize our graduate community, including networking opportunities, professional headshots, and moments to relax and recharge.

We look forward to continuing the celebration and connecting with our students throughout April!

🔗RSVP for upcoming events: https://apply.memphis.edu/portal/grad-appreciation-month

🎓✨ Save the Date: May 7 ✨🎓Join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and community at the Department of Public ...
04/14/2026

🎓✨ Save the Date: May 7 ✨🎓

Join us for an evening of celebration, recognition, and community at the Department of Public & Nonprofit Administration Graduate, Honors, and Awards Reception.

🗓 May 7
🕠 5:30 PM
📍 Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, Memphis Public Library
3030 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN

This special evening celebrates the remarkable academic achievements, leadership, and public service commitments of our students, along with the lasting impact of our distinguished alumni. We look forward to coming together as a community to honor our honor society inductees, recognize the graduating Class of 2026, and celebrate the accomplishments of our outstanding alumni.

We will also proudly present the DPNA Distinguished Student of Excellence Awards and the Dr. David Cox Distinguished Alumni Award 🏆

Space is limited, and attendance is reserved for MPA and MNM students, alumni of our programs, and their plus-one guests.

It promises to be an inspiring and memorable evening filled with recognition, connection, and celebration. From milestone achievements to well-deserved honors, this is a moment to reflect on the impact of our DPNA community and the bright future ahead. You will not want to miss the opportunity to celebrate alongside peers, mentors, and alumni who continue to make a difference ✨

Please RSVP to secure your spot. https://memphis.co1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_cAcsdagSqvDCtKu

If you would like to learn more about the Department of Public & Nonprofit Administration and our programs, we invite you to visit our website: https://www.memphis.edu/padm/

We look forward to celebrating with you 🎉💙🩵🩶🎉
~ DPNA Faculty & Staff

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural recipients of the DPNA Distinguished Student Excellence Award! 🎉🏆🎊✨📣💐Please jo...
04/10/2026

We are thrilled to announce the inaugural recipients of the DPNA Distinguished Student Excellence Award! 🎉🏆🎊✨📣💐

Please join us in congratulating Pearlina Ivory and Nasir Uddin, recognized for their outstanding academic achievement, leadership, and commitment to excellence in public service and nonprofit management 🎉🏆

Pearlina, an MNM student, has been recognized for her outstanding academic excellence, leadership, and commitment to advancing the values of public service and community impact. As the founder of Our Youth Memphis (ouryouthmem.org), a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting young people, she brings a powerful blend of scholarly achievement and real-world impact to her work. Her contributions reflect the very best of what it means to learn, lead, and serve within our program.

Nasir has been recognized for his exceptional scholarly achievement, perseverance, and dedication to urban affairs and public service. As a dual-enrolled student in the MPA and PhD programs in Urban Affairs, and a doctoral candidate who has successfully defended his dissertation, Nasir exemplifies academic rigor and commitment to advancing knowledge in meaningful ways

📚✨Together, they represent the spirit, excellence, and impact of DPNA students and scholars across our MPA and MNM programs. We are proud to celebrate them as our inaugural award winners and look forward to all they will continue to accomplish.

Stay connected for future awards, recognitions, and highlights of excellence across our community by visiting our Awards & Recognition webpage: https://www.memphis.edu/padm/awards/

We cannot wait to continue celebrating the incredible work happening across DPNA 🎓💫

04/07/2026

Join us tomorrow for our Graduate Student Appreciation Lunch! 🍕

Stop by, grab some pizza, snacks, and drinks, and take a well-deserved break with us. We’re excited to celebrate our incredible graduate students during Graduate Student Appreciation Month!

📍UofM Graduate School in Wilder Tower on the 8th Floor

Space is limited so come early and don’t miss out!

🔗Secure your spot here: https://apply.memphis.edu/register/gslunch

A Successful Evening of Learning & Collaboration! Our recent guest speaker event hosted by the at the and the ICMA Stu...
03/27/2026

A Successful Evening of Learning & Collaboration!

Our recent guest speaker event hosted by the at the and the ICMA Student Chapter was a success!

A big thank you to Dr. Joann Massey, President & CEO of the Economic Development Growth Engine for Memphis and Shelby County (EDGE), for sharing powerful insights on “Driving the Development Engine: How Public Entities Power Economic Growth and Innovation.”

From meaningful discussions to real-world perspectives on how partnerships drive progress across Memphis and Shelby County, the session left our students inspired and energized about the future of public service.

Thank you to everyone who joined us—see you at our next event!

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Nasir Uddin, an outstanding PhD & MPA candidate and Graduate Assistant here at the ...
03/24/2026

We are incredibly proud to celebrate Nasir Uddin, an outstanding PhD & MPA candidate and Graduate Assistant here at the University of Memphis from the Dept. of Public & Nonprofit Administration & School of Urban Affairs & Public Policy.

Nasir has been recognized with the ASPA International Chapter Best Student Paper Award for his article published in the International Journal of Public Administration—a leading peer-reviewed journal in the field of public administration and policy.

This achievement reflects not only Nasir’s hard work and dedication, but also the impact our students are making on a global stage. 👏

Please join us in congratulating Nasir on this well-deserved honor!

Address

213 Browning Hall
Memphis, TN
38152

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

Telephone

+19016783360

Website

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/1199777/

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