UNCP Political Science and Public Administration

05/09/2026

Congratulations to our Spring 2026 MPA graduates.

04/17/2026

The Opening of BRAVE MUN 2026!

Thank you Dean Pillia for a wonderful opening speech.

Thank you to our conference organizers Dr. Josiah Marineau and Prof. Jordin Dickerson with the UNCP Model UN Team.

03/27/2026

Written by two of our current MPA students, Elizabeth Carriker and Jon Chavis.

Demand for skilled labor is booming in our state's manufacturing and construction industries. Industry certification creates a direct path into family-sustaining wage careers, and studies show vocational training graduates are 28% more likely to have a job post-release.

03/26/2026

Congratulations to current MPA student Page McCurry for presenting her research last week at the North Carolina Political Science Association/Public Administration Alliance annual conference.

02/10/2026

We have had several alumni over the years who have participated in this program. Consider applying if you are a recent graduate!

Lead for North Carolina is a full-time paid fellowship in local government for recent college graduates. Fellows receive of at least $35,000 stipend for their 11-month and nearly $7,000 SEGAL Education Grant to pay back student loans or apply to graduate tuition, health insurance, student loan deferment and forbearance, graduate application fee waivers, graduate application support, professional coaching and support. Students work on transformative projects in local government ranging from economic development, planning, environmental resiliency, capital finance and budgeting, citizen engagement, and more!

Want to Learn More About Lead for NC?

If everything above sounds interesting and you’d like to learn more or ask questions, please consider joining one of our information sessions. If you missed the one last week, here are the information sessions for February.

Details for the Upcoming Info Session:

• [Lead for North Carolina] Cohort 8 Recruitment Meeting #2 Time Feb 9, 2026 2:00 - 2:30 PM
• [Lead for North Carolina] Cohort 8 Recruitment Meeting #3 Time Feb 12, 2026 12:00 - 12:30 PM
• [Lead for North Carolina] Cohort 8 Recruitment Meeting #4 Time Feb 18, 2026 3:00 - 3:30 PM

How Do I Officially Apply?

Again, here is the application:

Why We Exist - Organization Mission and Work Now more than ever, our public institutions need you. Here in North Carolina, 70% of local government leaders are eligible to retire. Communities and neighborhoods that were once thriving are shrinking and f...

12/13/2025

Congratulations to alumnus James Nance III ('20) for being sworn in today as the Director of Elections for Bladen County today. We know you will do a great job ensuring free and fair elections.

12/13/2025

Graduate Commencement!

11/14/2025

Congratulations to 2020 alumni James Nance for his promotion to Director of the Board of Elections in Bladen County. James starts in his new role at the first of the year.

11/11/2025

The Department of Political Science and Public Administration thanks all of our Veterans, especially all of those who are current students and program alumni. Your experience provides valuable insights.

10/22/2025

Great talk! Hope you can come.