Student Spotlights
Name: Lisa V. Desmarais
Hometown: Villa Hills, KY
MPA concentration: Nonprofit Management
Undergraduate institution and major: Rhode Island College , Business Management (minor Computer Science)
Current job: Executive Director of the Interfaith Hospitality Network of Northern Kentucky (new!), formerly with Villa Madonna Academy
What are your research areas of interest? I’ve done some research in the area of chronic homelessness. In May of 2011, I was the lead author of an economic study of chronic homelessness in Northern Kentucky. I am interested humanely serving the needs of the homeless in a cost effective manner.
Why the MPA? Why NKU? For many years, I thought about getting an MBA. Having worked in the for-profit sector for 16 years, this seemed like the next logical step. Ten years ago, I started working in the nonprofit sector and really liked it. I decided that nonprofit management was where I wanted to stay. I found the MPA degree and everything clicked. I had been impressed with the growth of NKU over the past 10+ years and decided to look at their MPA program first. I was so awed with the program, I looked no further. I enrolled in the program in the fall of 2009.
What do you like best about NKU’s MPA program? I like the mix of education, skills and experience of the faculty. Many of the professors have ‘real-world’ experience in public administration and nonprofit management. I like the small class sizes, the wealth of experience the students bring and the opportunity to dialog with other students.
What do you plan to do with your MPA? An MPA from Northern Kentucky University has prepared me for a leadership role in the nonprofit sector. Having the MPA helps me to leverage my business experience in ways that benefit nonprofits. I plan to use the degree to assist local nonprofits with cost control, service delivery, performance measurement and strategic guidance.
What has been your favorite project? I absolutely loved working on projects in my Data Analysis class (PAD 616). I’m a data geek! I’ve been working in Information Technology for over 27 years now, so I love to work with data.
What advice do you have for prospective or first year students? My advice is that you get out of your educational experience what you put into it. This is a growth experience, cherish it.
What do you like to do in your free time? Is there such a thing as free time? Just kidding! I like to read, I recently got a new Kindle Fire and I love it! I also like to watch home improvement shows, house hunting shows and the Ghost Hunters (TAPS) program.
What is your motto? “Do what you say you’re going to do” and “Seek first to understand and then to be understood.”
Name: David M. Solomon
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH
MPA concentration: Nonprofit Management
Undergraduate institution and major: The Ohio State University, Criminology (minor Spanish)
Current job: Administrator for the Meals on Wheels program at the Mayerson Jewish Community Center, formerly with City Year
What are your research areas of interest? My primary area of interest is the senior adult population. I’m also interested in the economy and how it affects nonprofit organizations.
Why the MPA? Why NKU? I believe the MPA is a very valuable degree that will help me succeed in my career goals. I see myself serving a nonprofit organization in a leadership role. I chose NKU because it is a great university with the only local MPA program. I began in August 2011 and the program has continued to exceed my expectations.
What do you like best about NKU’s MPA program? I really appreciate how applicable everything I am learning is to my job. I truly believe that I will use the skills and knowledge I’m acquiring here for the rest of my life. I also enjoy the Public Administration Student Society (PASS) social events.
Who is your favorite professor? My favorite professor has been Dr. Lambert. I really enjoy his teaching style and breadth of knowledge on policy issues.
What has been your favorite course? My favorite course has been Volunteer Management (PAD 622) with Dr. Olberding. Our class had the opportunity to work with several local nonprofit organizations in a service learning capacity. My partner and I worked with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Kenton County on a volunteer management proposal for their non-court appointed volunteers. I really enjoyed learning about the amazing work CASA is doing and hopefully contributing to that effort.
What has been your favorite project? My favorite project was my Meals on Wheels research project. One thing I like so much about the program is how much discretion you have over your research. This project was a great opportunity for me to learn more about national Meals on Wheels and introduce my classmates to an issue I’m passionate about.
What advice do you have for prospective or first year students? My advice to students is, don’t give up. Don’t ever give up. No matter how hard it seems at times, you can do it.
What do you like to do in your free time? I like to watch and play sports, workout, and read. I also like to watch The Office and How I Met Your Mother.
What is your favorite food to eat? What is your favorite food to cook? My favorite food to eat is Skyline. My favorite food to cook is anything I can make in the microwave.