Our Students
The Fels student body is comprised of about 70 full-time and 70 executive students--big enough to include individuals with diverse backgrounds, political beliefs, and professional interests, but small enough to allow personalized attention from faculty and staff regarding course selection, internship placement, and career guidance. Housed in an historic century-old mansion, Fels has a distinctively warm feel, and students form strong relationships that last well beyond their time at Fels.Full-Time MGA Students
Executive MGA Students
Certificate Students
Full-Time MGA Students
Suzanne Hughes, 1st Year Full-Time MGA Student
Current Internship: Economic Development Intern, Building a Better Boyertown
Education: BA, Drama, University of Washington, Teaching Certificate-Secondary English, University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education
Previous Experience: Teach for America Corps Member, Middle School English Teacher, Philadelphia
Why did you decide to return to school?
After teaching in an urban school district for two years I saw the need for strong leadership. I noticed there were a lot of great ideas for how to reform education, however there was poor implementation of these ideas. I decided to return to graduate school to gain managerial skills that will help me craft a career in education reform and leadership. My undergraduate career was in an entirely different field, so graduate school has helped me gain an entirely different skill set I will be able to utilize every day in my future career.
Why did you choose Fels?
I choose Fels for a number of reasons. First, the location, I moved to Philadelphia to teach and fell in love with the city--seeing an incredible amount of potential and room for fast career growth. I liked that Penn has a strong commitment to the community and that Fels works on projects directly with the city. Secondly, the size of the program was an incredible draw. I know every single one of my classmates and classes are small so you have a chance to know the professors. Finally, I liked Fels' practical approach to management rather than a theoretical approach. My professors are working professionals and class assignments mimic real-world problems and projects we have in the workplace. With this kind of education I feel confident I will be able to handle any assignment my employer hands to me.
Have your career aspirations changed or evolved since coming to Fels?
After coming to Fels I have developed a greater interest in local and state government. I originally expected my career to be in the nonprofit sector; however I am now considering a career in city government. I have also become more interested in public finance and economic concerns. Previously I was more interested in policy, however, I have realized through my finance classes that policies do not have much of an impact if they cannot be funded.
Chris Wheeler, 2nd Year Full-Time MGA Student
Current Internship: Research Associate, Public Financial Management
Education: BA Political Science, Temple University
Interest(s): Volunteer Pianist, Germantown Christian Assembly, Philadelphia
Honor(s): National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Pi Sigma Alpha (National
Political Science Honor Society) and Phi Beta Kappa
Have your career aspirations changed or evolved since coming to Fels?
I developed a stronger interest in economic development after taking the Public Financial Management and Politics, Technology, and Economic Development courses and would definitely like to seek a position in that area some time in my career.
Have you had a favorite course and why?
I would have to say Public Financial Management. Based on his experience as Philadelphia's Commerce Director, Professor Mullin's insights on city politics and economic development enriched the course tremendously.
Executive MGA Students
Melissa K. R. Hozik, 1st Year Executive Student
Current Position: Assistant to the Dean, Graduate Division, School of Arts & Sciences
Education: BA Classical Studies with a minor in History, Dickinson College (cum laude)
Why did you decide to return to school to pursue a graduate degree?
I have always had an interest in community service due to a Quaker education, and I feel that it is my civic duty to participate in my community in any way that I can. I felt that the MGA program, along with the Nonprofit Administration certificate, would best position me to manage program development and fundraising for a non-profit organization.
Have your career aspirations changed or evolved since coming to Fels?
I came to Fels thinking that I wanted to go directly into nonprofit fundraising and development. After being with classmates who are in that area (and are under constant pressure for very high results), I reconsidered what I really wanted to accomplish in an NGO: helping develop programs to assist those in need. I am now more interested in project development and grant administration.
Erik Johanson, 2nd Year Executive MGA Student
Current Position: Research Associate, Economy League of Greater Philadelphia
Education: BA in Political Science, Tufts University
Interest(s): Nutter for Mayor Transportation Policy Committee; Member of Young Involved Philadelphia
Award(s): Four-year letter-winning pitcher on the Tufts baseball team
Why did you decide to return to school to pursue a graduate degree?
The Fels Institute’s Master of Governmental Administration program, along with the Certificate in Public Finance, appealed to me as the very best way to acquire the tools necessary for a career in leadership and public service in Philadelphia.
Do you find it difficult to balance school, work, and other obligations?
To balance a full-time job with a demanding course load is challenging, but with careful organization and weekly time management, it is also well within reason. As a 24-year-old without family obligations, I cannot think of a more productive way to spend my time.
Have you had a favorite course and why?
"Budgeting and Financial Management for Public and Non-Profit Entities" with Dean Sedehi. Serving as captain of a team charged with creating a budget for a simulated city was not just a stimulating academic experience but one that imparted valuable lessons of leadership and inter-personal communication. I learned from the project that cultivating an individual sense of ownership over a group effort is critical to the development process and, by extension, the project's ultimate success.
Certificate Students
Michael Cecire, Economic Development & Growth Certificate Student
Current Position: Economic Development Coordinator, Jewish Camden Partnership
Education: BS Anthropology, Virginia Commonwealth University
Previous Experience: NGO/Community Development Volunteer, US Peace Corps, Georgia Republic; Program Assistant, Mid Atlantic Addiction Technology Transfer Center, Richmond, VA
Interest(s): Freelance Writer, TCS Daily
Why did you decide to return to school to pursue a certificate in economic development and growth?
My interests in economic development go back far, but my decision to pursue it at a graduate level occurred while designing ad-hoc economic development programming as a Peace Corps Volunteer. It did not take long for me to realize that I needed more training and practical experience in public administration and economic development in order to become meaningfully employed in the field.
Do you find it difficult to balance school, work, and other obligations?
Naturally, there are challenges, but the quality of content at Fels is such that I've never felt like it was a burden; quite the opposite - in many ways my classes are a welcome 'break' from the monotony of the grind and have acted to supplement me with ideas and skills that make my work even more interesting and meaningful. As my responsibilities grow - both personally and professionally - I will have to adjust accordingly, but I cannot foresee any insurmountable issues.
Kelly Batstone, Nonprofit Administration Certificate Student
Current Position: Assistant Director of Donor Relations, School of Arts and Sciences External Affairs, University of Pennsylvania
Education: BA Linguistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland; MA Linguistics, Memorial University of Newfoundland; Diploma in Teaching English as a Second Language, English Language Center; Certificate in Fundraising Management, Algonquin College
Interest(s): Volunteer for Native Planet and the Minsai Center (Japan); former User Experience Advocate, Solutions for Progress, Philadelphia; founded the Japan International Friendship Circle in Hokkaido, Japan
Why did you decide to return to school to pursue a certificate in nonprofit administration?
After founding the Japan International Friendship Circle while teaching English in Japan and later seeing the organization dissolve on my departure from the country, I realized that I still had quite a bit to learn about the successful creation and administration of a non-profit organization. I chose to return to school to receive my certificate in non-profit administration to help me fill the gaps in my knowledge and to provide me with the tools I need to become an effective non-profit leader. I chose Fels primarily because the program focuses on real-life experience and interaction with the nonprofit community, rather than purely on classroom learning.
Do you find it difficult to balance school, work and other obligations?
At times, balancing school with the rest of my life can be a real challenge. I work full time and am an active runner, and my family and friends hold an important place in my life. Trying to find time to go to class, do the required readings, and prepare assignments while also working, training, and maintaining my relationships leaves me with very little time for myself and requires me to stick to a pretty strict schedule. Procrastination is not an option!
Melissa Castro-Marmero, Politics Certificate and MGA Student
Current Position: Director of Outreach for Southern New Jersey, Office of US Senator Robert Menendez
Education: BA, Political Science, Rider University
Previous Experience: Congressional Aide, Office of Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy; Legislative Intern, Office of Assemblyman David R. Mayer, New Jersey General Assembly; Executive Operations Coordinator, Congreso de Latinos Unidos, Inc.; Immigration Counselor, Office of Immigrant Services at Catholic Charities of Rockville Centre, New York
Interest(s): Running; Reading Latin American Literature; Collecting first editions of Gabriel Garcia Marquez's books (Spanish and English)
Award(s): Phi Sigma Alpha, National Political Science Honor Society; Phi Beta Delta, National Honor Society for International Scholars; Pi Gamma Mu, International Social Science Honor Society; Sigma Delta Pi, International Spanish Honor Society; Model National United Nations 2002, Rider University - Honorable Mention Award
Why did you decide to return to school to pursue a certificate in politics?
I decided to seek postgraduate studies because I wanted to obtain the formal knowledge and tools to become an efficient and results-oriented leader. Also, Fels' rich tradition of training students for leadership positions, coupled with its prestigious reputation for the contributions of its graduates and professors in all levels of government, are some of the reasons why the program captivated me two years ago, and continues to excite me today.
Have your career aspirations changed or evolved since coming to Fels?
My career aspirations have not changed since enrolling in Fels, as I will continue working in my current position after I receive my MGA. But I do feel that my opportunities to succeed in other areas of government administration have been amplified, because of the training I have received at Fels. I am very excited about my future, and am certain that my Fels MGA will play an important role in helping me accomplish new and exciting ventures, while serving and helping the public and our communities.
Richard C. DeCaprio, Public Finance Certificate Student
Current Position: Financial Sales Leader, Wachovia Bank, NA and Wachovia Securities, LLC
Education: BA, Rutgers University; MBA, Georgian Court University
Interest(s): Volunteer for March of Dimes and Junior Achievement of NJ; Member of OC Young Republicans, Atlantic City Chamber of Commerce, and Southern NJ Chamber of Commerce
Why did you decide to return to school to pursue a certificate in public finance?
Given my undergraduate degree in Political Science and later earning an MBA, I decided to return to academia to further enhance my public finance and public policy knowledge. The reputation of Fels and that of Penn are world-renowned for providing an exceptional academic environment and an unparalelled faculty.
Do you find it difficult to balance school, work, and other obligations?
The balance of an extremely demanding career, domestic responsibilities, and graduate school can be quite challenging. However, Fels offers a variety of courses and provides students with flexibility conducive to the demands and needs of part-time students.