Greetings from the Chair
Scott Robinson
It is fair to say that we are headed into interesting times as a nation. Undoubtedly, the fall presidential election will be both contentious and dominate the news All of the forces seeking to divide us will be at highest tide
This is a moment when people serving the public have to push past the storm and anger of the news and remind our communities of the power of public organizations The water still has to flow, people still need nutrition support and our communities still have to work.
We must all make a point to educate our community members of the positive influence that good governance has on their lives We must explain to people the role of local organizations in running the senior center or delivering meals to those in need
One lesson of my research on trust in government is that people tend to be supportive of specific government programs. People like that their city reliably picks up the trash (whether through a contracted firm or as a direct service of their local government), support the local park’s summer programs and like to participate in civic events But, they hate “government’’
If we are to turn around the historic low levels of trust in government, we need to act locally. More than anything, we need to make our neighbors aware of what our local governments do. We need to illustrate that government works well when managed well We can accomplish more together than continuing to hollow out the state trust me, I come from a thoroughly hollowed state, Texas
On our part, the department is going back to basics. We are going to do more to educate a broader range of students about the nature of local government service (and the potential for careers in the field). We are going to do more to spotlight the excellent work our students and alumni are doing in their communities We are going to start to grow an appreciation of what public service can do - from the grassroots up I call on all of our stakeholders to do the same Consider how you can help people better understand the excellence of public service and strike up a conversation.
Scott Robinson.
A Timeline of the NIU MPA Program
1963
Professor James Banovetz and the faculty placed the first Public Administration Intern, Duane Olivier
1964
We became active in the Council on Graduate Education in Public Administration, now known as NASPAA.
1963
Public administration classes were included in the M.A. in political science degree program.
1964
Professor Banovetz was named director of public administration and expanded our internship program to include 15 students
2014
The department moved all courses to an eightweek executive format.
2014
The Department of Public Administration launched the Graduate Certificate in Public Management (GCPM)
2019
2020
1971-72
The M.A. in public administration degree program was approved in 1971 and offered in 1972
The COVID-19 pandemic led to all classes temporarily being moved online
The department launched the online MPA and GCPM programs. The launch of the online MPA program increased enrollments to a record 123 students!
2023
The department placed our first international students in local government internships.
Building a Legacy of Public Service
1976
Professor Banovetz began our relationship with ILCMA, a relationship we still treasure to this day!
1988
A survey of alums shows that among those whom data was available, 88 7% held positions in the public sector, 189 of those were in Illinois local governments
1987
NASPAA officially listed the MAPA program as one of the nation’s first programs in public administration to be accredited.
1992
2013
The School of Public and Global Affairs was founded
The MAPA degree was officially renamed the MPA degree.
MPA Interns Serving Municipalities
This fall semester finds our interns working in municipal organizations throughout the Chicago area and into Wisconsin Interns are serving in these locations: village of Algonquin; Bartlett Fire Protection District; city of Burlington, Wisconsin; McHenry County; village of Oswego; village of Palos Park; village of Pingree Grove; village of Roselle; village of Schiller Park; NIU Center for Governmental Studies; NIU Office of Outreach, Engagement and Regional Development; and the NIU Institute for the Environment, Sustainability and Energy
The department is stepping up recruitment efforts for pre-career students and will need to place more interns in positions starting in the fall 2025 semester. If you are interested in hiring an MPA student intern, please contact Denise Burchard at dburchard@niu.edu to participate in the intern placement process in spring 2025.
Department Updates
Congratulations MPA Class of 2024
As we reflect on the past year, we are proud to say that our department has begun to recover from the “new normal” of postpandemic academia We have seen changes in enrollment trends, a strong preference for remote learning and an increase in stakeholder engagement. We have also revamped our social media presence. In this report, we will provide you with an overview of our department’s performance including key accomplishments, challenges faced and future goals We hope that this update will give you a better understanding of our department’s contributions to the field of public administration and local government management as well as our plans for continued growth and success.
The Student Experience Department
Our department continues to recruit both pre-career and mid-career students Pre-career students are serving in a number of internships in the Chicago and Rockford metro area Our online program offers great flexibility to public service employees, especially those who work in the police and fire service Our department continues to grow the online program which has kept its focus on local government.
Students are encouraged to join professional associations and attend state and national conferences With donations received, our department has provided financial assistance to students for conference registration and lodging. Students attended the ICMA conference in Austin, Texas, and both ILCMA conferences. They also attended the IAMMA and Legacy Project conferences locally. These opportunities to connect with professionals and learn from practitioners give MPA students a great start in their careers
Our MPA program offers students a very practical program of courses and students comment how they can use what they learn in the classroom immediately at their workplace. This program’s emphasis on providing students with management skills and professional connections has a great impact on professionalism in local government and our NIU program is leading the way
Department Updates
Fall Colloquium
Our fall colloquium featured Professor Andrew Rumbach, senior fellow at the Urban Institute in Washington D.C. His presentation titled, “Is Land Use Planning a Barrier to Climate Justice? The Difficult Case of Mobile Home Parks” was thought-provoking for students and faculty alike
60th Anniversary Celebration
Spring Colloquium
Our spring colloquium, held at the Naperville campus, featured Professor Domonic Bearfield from George Washington University’s Trachtenberg School of Public Policy and Public Administration Professor Bearfield’s presentation was based on an ASPA award-winning book he co-authored titled, “The Myth of Bureaucratic Neutrality: An Examination of Merit and Representation ”
Our 60th celebration dinner followed the spring colloquium and was held at Two Brothers Roundhouse in Aurora. Over 70 alumni from near and far, students and faculty enjoyed fellowship over a great buffet meal and celebrated our nationally ranked MPA program
Dinner at Two Brothers Roundhouse
60th Anniversary Celebration
Recognition of Service
An award recognizing his service to our department surprised Professor Kurt Thurmaier as alumni and faculty recognized him for his accomplishments serving as the department chair for over 13 years
Throughout those 13 years, Thurmaier moved forward with many initiatives and kept our curriculum fresh and interesting. Thurmaier’s commitment to our department’s focus on local government and his impact upon our program have continually promoted the excellent reputation of the program and kept the national rankings high.
Thurmaier’s major accomplishments include the creation of the School of Public and Global Affairs, which brought together the departments of economics, political science and public administration, the Center for Governmental Studies, the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies, and the Institute for the Study of Environment, Sustainability and Energy Interdisciplinary programs offered through the school provide students an opportunity to learn about governance problems and issues with an emphasis on public, private and nonprofit collaborative relationships that seek to improve communities and individuals in the U.S. and around the world.
Jeanine, Anna and Kurt Thurmaier
Thurmaier’s leadership includes the development of our online, undergraduate public services leadership (PSL) degree This enables early career employees, especially police, fire and public workers, the opportunity to complete their undergraduate degree and move into management-level positions Thurmaier led the department in moving courses to an online format and he created a graduate certificate program which opened the door for midcareer professionals to start their MPA degree program by earning a five-course certificate.
Our 60th year of celebration was a success, and our department is actively recruiting students and leading them to careers in public service We appreciate the partnership with our alumni and others who support our efforts We thank our many committed and dedicated alumni who volunteer to sit on our boards and committees, assist with recruitment efforts, speak in classes, hire as well as mentor interns and attend our events. Our department is very fortunate to have a devoted group of alumni and we look forward to another successful 10 years until we reach our 70th!
2024 Awards and Pi Alpha Alpha Inductees
Award
WILLIAM R MONAT SCHOLAR
DANIEL WIT SCHOLAR
DAVID AND CATHERINE ARNOLD FELLOWSHIP AWARD
JAMES M. AND AUDREY M. BANOVETZ FELLOWSHIP
OUTSTANDING PEER AWARD
PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
ASPA OUTSTANDING ADMINISTRATOR AWARD
OUSTANDING SERVICE TO THE PROGRAM AWARD
OUTSTANDING SERVICE TO THE PROFESSION AWARD
OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT
EMERGING PUBLIC SERVICE LEADERS
Recipient
Cheyanne Pincsak
Pola Garcia
Micah Eradiri
Emily Brier
Stanley Anukwuocha
Professor Jaehee Jong
Phil Kiraly
Robin Ellis
Ghida Neukirch
Cheyanne Pincsak
Lora Oberg
Paola Garcia
Aaron Lloyd
Ethan Sowl
Yates McLaughlin
Mohammad Yahya
Pi Alpha Alpha Inductees
To be inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha
Global Honor Society for Public Affairs and Administration, inductees must maintain a 3 7 or above GPA and have completed more than 50% of their coursework
The 2024 inductees to Pi Alpha Alpha are:
Cecilia Anderson
Justice Arthur
Erin Cronin
Lauren Ewan
Paola Garcia
Ruth Hahn-Bee
Patricia Ham
Jacob Hobson
Megan Iozzo
Daniel Langguth
Megan Lord
Yates McLaughlin
William Palmer
Cheyanne Pincsak
Noah Rife
Joseph Viso
Muhammad Yahya
Professor Kuhn, Emily Brier and Dawn Wucki-Rossbach and Shawn Jeffers.
Yates McLaughlin, Professor Langer and Muhammad Yahya.
Professor Jong and Joseph Viso.
Professor Skuzinski and Phil Kiraly.
Professor Kuhn, Micah Eraidiri and Valerie Salmons.
The NIU MPA Play Day: A Personal History
By: Brad Townsend
We do not have to tell you how impressive and supportive our alumni and stakeholders of the Department of Public Administration are. As we come out of our 60th anniversary year, it is a great time to reflect on the contributions of our many supporters over the years
One event deserves special recognition: our annual MPA fundraiser commonly known as “Play Day” or “The Golf Outing.” This event has been around for 25 years. Many thanks to now-retired faculty member, Michael Peddle and alumna Nancy Kauzlarich who proposed the idea and initiated the event with the invaluable assistance of the legendary June Kubasiak Play Day brought alums, faculty and sponsors together to financially support our NIU MPA program Net proceeds have helped support activities of faculty and students that have produced national recognition of the program Funds raised have been used to sponsor students to attend conferences and to provide startup funds for local government research projects.
The golf outing means a lot to me For many years, the event was a traditional, 18-hole, full-day outing with lunch, dinner, raffle and an auction I participated nearly every year and was honored to serve as chair of the organizing committee for eight of those years Our numerous volunteers and chairpersons were a big part of the event’s success They were crucial in selecting and reserving the golf course, prompting alums and others to attend, soliciting sponsors and donations, donating prizes and money for the cause and assisting the staff in managing the event throughout the planning and on that day
All of this and more involved a personal commitment to reach out to ask, reach into their wallet to contribute and to show up on the day Alumni did this because they believed in the cause of funding extracurricular activities of NIU MPA faculty and students This support plus the renowned internship program helps our Department of Public Administration be recognized among the finest in the nation This is no small thing!
For the past three years, the department has held this event at Topgolf. Alumni support is still critical to raise the funds and continue the excellence we have come to know. We hope you will support this effort and attend the event or sponsor a student. We are also pleased to share that we are partnering with the alumni association to participate in their traditional golf outing in May 2025 stay tuned!
Chair Scott Robinson
As I write this recollection of the year, I am rapidly approaching my two-year anniversary of arriving in DeKalb It seems like it has been both a long time and just yesterday. I am starting to get my feet under me as chair of the department and I am feeling better connected into the community I am trying not to focus more on my missteps in the process (there have been plenty, so this is not easy) but on the opportunities for our department and our students
Over the past year, I have been able to maintain some of my own research. I have submitted manuscripts on trust in local first response organizations, on how trust in different levels of government is related (and local government is an important outlier) and on the design of emergency management networks in Bangladesh (working alongside two students from Bangladesh) I have also started work on a third edition of my research methods textbook but I will spare you the details of that project
The biggest accomplishments of the year, though, are all related to the management of this department The marquee events were related to our 60th anniversary. I was delighted to host Professor Domonic Bearfield for our colloquium on the challenges of incorporating DEI values into public service. People came away with some ideas for practical solutions and some of the more subtle barriers to real change.
The night was capped with our anniversary celebration. As nervous as I was (being responsible for managing the event though Denise and Beth did all of the hard work), I had a great time meeting students and faculty who attended the event In particular, it was nice to meet people who came in for this event that had not been able to attend our regular events I felt better connected to the history of this department and to the energy of the community built around the department.
With this sense of history came a strong sense of obligation. Though I am still relatively new to the department (I figure I only have one more year to say that), I sense the need to serve as conservator of the traditions of the department. It has left me with questions like: How do we continue to serve students in the spirit of the first 60 years of the program? What do we update to serve students better without disconnecting from this tradition? How can these traditions inform our choices as we confront modern problems?
The theme for me next year is “back to basics ” The department will showcase its connections to its own history training the next generation of civil servants and serving local communities. There are new ways of supporting these goals, but we will emphasize our continuity with the traditions of our department.
Professor Julie Langer
The Necessity of Thought in Public Administration
The problems facing public administrators today are complex, interconnected and large in scale. At the same time, administrators are increasingly being asked to do more with less To respond effectively and efficiently, decisionmaking often defaults to purely formal or emotive approaches, both of which present significant challenges. While the former can diminish the role of human judgement, critical thinking and ethical considerations, the latter often inhibits innovation, promotes intolerance and creates a polarized public discourse
In contemporary public administration, finding a balance between these extremes is crucial. Formal, data and machine-driven approaches must coexist with decision-making modes that allow for thoughtful reflexivity about who we are, what we value and how our decisions impact communities, while society at present does not always value nuanced approaches that take time and require reflection. Together we can create these spaces which are necessary for navigating complex societal issues, promoting human and organizational flourishing and protecting democratic institutions
This past year, I collaborated with scholars across the U S to examine the efforts of public libraries and librarians in supporting local communities and upholding democratic values While these organizations have become ideological battlegrounds, librarians remain resolute in their commitment to providing effective services and upholding their democratic beliefs in access to information for all. This balanced approach, which relies on both formal, data-driven insights about what patrons need and core democratic beliefs, which are continually reexamined, has allowed them to remain agile, relevant and empathetic in the face of adversity and radical change
All organizations, especially those in local government, can learn from how public libraries embody modern forms of governance championed in public administration As we look to a future defined by powerful technology, protracted public problems and polarization, it is increasingly necessary to integrate rational decision-making with ethical reflexivity for effective and adaptive public service delivery Only by doing so can we strengthen our democratic institutions and serve our communities with integrity.
Professor Chris Goodman
While 2023 brought some normalcy, inflation and hiring issues plague local governments trying to gain a foothold coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic Squaring higher costs for everything with workforce issues has led to many sleepless nights for managers and finance directors. Public financial management is one area where we can marry our faculty expertise with our longstanding commitment to local government management To this end, Kurt Thurmaier and I revamped our specialization in public financial management and developed a new certificate program in that area.
We better aligned our curriculum with the management functions that finance directors face These include traditional budgeting and revenue-related topics, as well as HR-related functions, capital budgeting and financial reporting. Our MPA specialization is aimed at training students on the ins and outs of a finance department (internally, how to be a finance director), while the certificate is primarily aimed at accountants who want to transition into the public sector or gain the management skills necessary to be a finance director
Over the past year, my research has focused on the reason special districts dissolve and how they interact with cities and counties. Interactions between local governments are vital to successful collaboration. Even more so, how service delivery requirements or expectations are divided between many local actors absent from state guidance is essential to local government practitioners
Two projects deal directly with these issues. The first, published in the flagship academic journal Public Administration Review, deals with the conditions under which spending by special districts displaces spending by cities and counties The findings were confined to the interaction between special districts and county governments, where a dollar of additional special district spending on functions like fire services, sewerage or solid waste tended to reduce county spending in the same area by about $0.05 to $0.20. I find no relationship between special districts and municipalities. These results indicate that special district spending substitutes for county spending, but only in spatially expansive services (i e , covering large geographic areas)
The second project (published in 2024 in Local Government Studies) focuses on the factors associated with special district dissolution Special districts tend to dissolve, consolidate or otherwise shut down more frequently than local governments Understanding why is important, as these closures likely send ripples through the local intergovernmental system In general, states with more restrictive tax and expenditure limitations (TELs) on municipalities had fewer dissolutions, suggesting that special districts are being used to circumvent these limits on cities. Additionally, states granting municipalities more home rule powers saw more special district dissolutions These results indicate that when given the power to solve problems locally (via municipalities), the need for special districts declines and some are shuttered
In addition to two main projects, I wrapped up a book chapter project in the “Research Handbook on City and Municipal Finance”, surveying the academic literature from the last 50 years on the relationship between state limitations on local governments and special districts I also concluded editing a special issue on special district management for Public Administration Quarterly, shepherding four articles on district management through the editorial process.
Professor Jaehee Jong Faculty Updates
This past year has been positive academically, with progress in research on the impact of environmental changes on HR functions in local governments Two key research topics have emerged from this exploration
The first topic focuses on the telework experiences of public sector employees, focusing particularly on the significant impact that the COVID-19 pandemic had on workplace practices related to telework I collaborated with several colleagues on three papers examining the effects of telework on public sector employees compared to those in the private and nonprofit sectors
The initial findings of each paper suggest that public sector employees report: More positive views of their telework productivity (under review at The Social Science Journal)
Lower levels of psychological distress (revised and resubmitted to the International Journal of Organizational Theory and Behavior)
Fewer physical and technical resource constraints associated with telework [presented at the Public Management Research Conference (PMRC)]
These findings highlight telework as a significant force shaping the local government workforce and internal operations, with important implications for HR management.
The second topic examines the use of emerging technology tools such as artificial intelligence (AI) in local governments This past year, Eunju Rho and I initiated a project that investigates how local government officials perceive the adoption and use of AI, focusing on the advantages, challenges and public values are interviewing Illinois managers throughout the summer. The s were presented at the Midwest Political Science Association hermore, we are collaborating with scholars in the Midwest (Indiana ucting a survey this fall We anticipate gaining further insights from and presenting our preliminary findings at upcoming professional lications of AI adoption and use for service delivery operations
illed to announce my promotion to associate professor. Related to motion, I will be on sabbatical leave this fall and will use this time to on my research and reflect on next steps. I plan to dedicate ant time to my current research areas, potentially expanding or zing them within the fields of HR and organizational behavior I am grateful to my colleagues and mentors for their continued support couragement I value the enriching interactions with my students umni, who have significantly contributed to my research and g development at NIU. Outside of academia, I look forward to g quality time hiking with my dog, Billy. I am excited about the nities and progress I made this past year and I look forward to on this momentum in the coming year.
Reflecting on the 2023-2024 academic year, my most significant moment was my first sabbatical. After nine years of studying public administration since 2003 and 11 years of teaching since 2013, I finally took a sabbatical in spring 2024 Beyond focusing on research, this Sabbath, rooted in Hebrew tradition, embodies restoration a time to rejuvenate all of who we are. One cherished memory from my sabbatical is an early morning spent by the window, watching the shifting sunlight and immersing myself in the humanities
Professor Eunju Rho Faculty Updates
This past February, I taught “Managing Yourself, Leading Others” at the 2024 Township Academy I began with a method I often use in leadership classes: “Use yourself as a case and get on the balcony,” a concept developed by John P. Kotter. This approach leverages your beliefs and experiences as powerful sources of knowledge, encouraging fresh perspectives on past events Imagine you’re on a dance floor, seeing only your dance partner and a few others nearby Now if you step onto a balcony and look down, you see the entire dance floor and its larger dynamics
As I reflect on nearly 20 years in the field, I ponder if my literary imagination the wellspring that once nourished my approach to public administration — has dwindled. Albert Camus, in his essay “Betwixt and Between (L'Envers et l'Endroit, 1937),” wrote that an artist's unique wellspring nourishes his character and lifetime communication Once this wellspring dries, his works wither and crack
Two decades ago, my approach to public administration was characterized by a warm, inclusive view and a desire to serve the public. My initial question after visiting hurricane-devastated areas was, “Who is the ‘public’ that public administration should serve?” Is it those who pay substantial taxes, bring large businesses into our communities, or have powerful voices and voting power? Or is it those in need who require assistance from the public sector? These questions guided my study of public administration, rather than focusing on “other” administration However, over time, I became engrossed in pursuing efficiency, effectiveness and performance. Did this focus obstruct the flow of creativity into my wellspring?
Over these past 20 years, my focus shifted to achieving tangible goals: degrees, jobs, promotions and publications In the process, research and teaching became routine, like running on a treadmill without realizing it But during my sabbatical, I took a step back onto the balcony and revisited the mindset I had 20 years ago when I decided to pursue public administration This reflection renewed my motivation and vision
One semester may be too short to provide definitive answers or a singular vision However, standing on the balcony during my sabbatical allowed me to reflect on my journey. I believe that my literary imagination and sensibility will once again invigorate my research and teaching. Stories are integral to our professional and personal growth, as they form the foundation of our memories and relationships I hope our NIU community becomes a vibrant tapestry of stories, memories and meaningful connections, reflecting our collective dreams and aspirations.
Faculty Updates
Professor Tom Skuzinski
This year I continued as director of the Institute for the Study of Environment, Sustainability and Energy (ESE), a department at NIU with over $2 million in current grants and contracts and over 40 faculty associates I continue to be excited about the opportunities for connections between public administration and sustainability. ESE houses the environmental studies (ENVS) major, which has about 125 students and is a growing pathway into the MPA degree Many of our ENVS students emphasize in environmental policy, politics and law, or environmental justice, and have a strong public service commitment to creating better, more livable, more equitable communities just like our MPA students This year, the ENVS
students completed professional projects for the village of Wilmette and Lake County. These were amazing formative experiences for them and they were designed to mimic the MPA capstone experience.
The institute houses the Illinois Municipal Sustainability Survey, which I started in spring 2021 to learn about sustainability policy adoption, implementation, governance in cities, villages and towns statewide. Look for publications of our findings soon! We also strengthened our relationship with the Illinois Department of Natural Resources We have been contracted through spring 2026 to complete the 2026-2030 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and several supportive deliverables including the Illinois Recreational Facilities Inventory, a survey of the general public about recreational interests and priorities. Taken together, these will guide policymaking about the hundreds of park districts and departments statewide and thousands of park and open space sites Graduate and undergraduate students continue to be active on this work as funded research fellows
I’ve continued supporting digital equity work, which aligns well with my research focus on collaborative governance I am the Principal Investigator at NIU on the Broadband Regional Engagement for Adoption and Digital Equity (READY) statewide grant scheme, under the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity As the anchor for the Northern Stateline Region, NIU will be working closely this year with Region 1 Planning Council. These connections have provided funding for 28 students across two years including full tuition and stipends for many graduate students. Many of the opportunities arose through my work as chair of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) Research and Collaboration Working Committee, which serves as an important nexus for Illinois public higher education institutions, state agencies and federal agencies
I took over the role of acting director of the School of Public and Global Affairs (SPGA), helping to shepherd its public service leadership undergraduate degree We brought ESE into SPGA and this will likely help strengthen the connection of SPGA with the new Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS) And last, but definitely not least, I was thrilled to see my doctoral student, Carolina, become Velandia Hernandez, Ph.D.! She will be a credit to the profession and the discipline.
On the personal side, I've been able to find more time for travel with my husband, Mike We went to The Netherlands in October 2023 and again went in summer 2024 I'm developing a sustainable cities study abroad program there for undergraduates.
I have enjoyed my sabbatical year very much. It has been with reading books, articles, finishing papers to submit to jou and, most enjoyable, taking time to think about bigger ques related to public budgeting.
Faculty Updates
Professor Kurt Thurmaier
Through my church book discussion group, I discovered Jonathan Haidt’s book, “The Righteous Mind: How Religion and Politics Divide Us”. The book presents his moral foundations theory of public policy discussions Pulling on cognitive sciences, evolutionary biology, ethics, psychology and other fields, he argues that people make value judgments more from their worldview and the emotional parts of your brain and less from the logic and consequences part of their brain. Research suggest that of the 100 milliseconds it takes to make a judgment, 75 are from the amygdala and only 25 from the frontal lobe So, when you try to convince someone with whom you disagree with facts and evidence and get frustrated that they are not convinced of your view, he reminds you that you are neglecting 75% of their response mechanism
I am summarizing the book, of course, but how does this relate to public budgeting? In 1940 (a few years ago), Professor V O Key wrote a seminal essay on public budgeting addressing the fundamental public budgeting question: On what basis should we allocate X dollars to program A and Y dollars to program B? Ultimately, he argued, it reduces to a question of values. Decades of reformers have tried to bring more economic rationality to public budget decision-making, but they have ignored Key’s conclusion.
In my sabbatical, I have been exploring how Haidt’s moral foundations theory gives us more precise insights into Key’s understanding of budget decisions. Haidt argues that people draw upon multiple moral foundations, with liberals tending to draw on some more than others and likewise conservatives When citizens are asked to make public budget allocations under the balanced budget constraint that city/county managers and council/board members make, what explains their choices? Does it matter how the problem is framed relative to their primary moral foundations? Does it matter how the consequences are framed relative to their primary moral foundations? Working with former students and support from the GFOA, we are conducting budget simulation experiments framed in Moral Foundations Theory Look for some results in future publications!
I continue to study participatory budgeting in Kenyan counties with former doctoral student, Frankline Muthomi, Ph D (NIU ’22), now at the Hatfield School, Portland State University Kenya’s counties are recreating municipalities with city managers and they are also constitutionally required to have participatory budgeting I was pleased to speak in May 2024 on behalf of ICMA at the first quarterly meeting of the (now) 107 city managers about ICMA and the ICMA conference in May 2024. I also attended the International Budget Project debut of their 2023 Budget Transparency Report on Kenya’s national and local government budgets Frankline and I have an invited article about participatory budgeting appearing in PM magazine in 2024
The sabbatical is over and I am eager to teach this fall I look forward to seeing you in the coming year
Instructor Recognition
Robin Weaver
Equipping Leaders for Tomorrow: Robin Weaver’s Focus on Real-World Skills in Public Administration
Robin Weaver brings a wealth of real-world experience to our Northern Illinois University MPA program, having spent over 35 years in local government before transitioning to academia Her journey began at NIU as a political science undergraduate, fueled by a desire for a public service career. Recognizing the value of a strong foundation, she continued her education at NIU’s top-ranked master in public administration (MPA) program
Weaver began her career working for Elk Grove Village. Her most notable leadership roles include a 15-year tenure as village administrator in Roselle, Illinois, and serving over three years as public works director in Normal, Illinois Weaver was the first recipient of the Illinois Association of Municipal
Management Assistants (IAMMA) Outstanding Mentor Award and she was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the ILCMA
Now retired, she continues to serve as a senior advisor for ICMA and ILCMA, board member of the Legacy Project and member of the ICMA International Committee. She continues to give back to the profession by serving on these committees and teaching the Ethics in Public Service course for our MPA program
Emphasizing the importance of travel in broadening perspectives, Professor Weaver’s own experience working internationally exposed her to similar issues faced by local government everywhere. Weaver joined a group from ICMA in Jordan and Kosovo She found common challenges like budgeting, ethics and disaster management exist everywhere but the approach to tackling them varies greatly In Jordan, for instance, central government often dictates policies and budgets for local governments with more of a top-down approach. Her travels underscore the message that learning extends far beyond the classroom.
Weaver is excited about fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in public administration She is spearheading a minority internship program that gives students from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to learn alongside public leaders. This aligns with her core belief in lifelong learning that the knowledge gained today equips students to be adaptable, resilient and impactful leaders in a constantly evolving world
While looking back on her career to impart wisdom to our future leaders, Weaver acknowledges the importance of mastering how to manage change early in one’s career Effective strategies for navigating cultural shifts within organizations and fostering community engagement through frequent communication, both face-to-face and via digital channels, are crucial in today’s interconnected world Beyond her professional pursuits, Professor Weaver is an active environmental advocate, promoting recycling, reduced reliance on fossil fuels and supporting her local county in forest preservation efforts.
Alumni Spotlight
From Fighting Crime to Managing Finances
Ray Munch (‘18) Finance Director, Naperville Illinois
Ray Munch found his inspiration to pursue a career in law enforcement as a teen after getting to know the first high school resource officer at Lisle High School. He spent 12 years as a police officer in Glen Ellyn until his law enforcement career was cut short after being injured on duty
Transitioning from police work to local government management started when he oversaw a new program at the village of Carol Stream aimed at reducing crime and quality of life issues in rental housing This project gave him the opportunity to work closely with community development, the village manager’s office and the village attorney Munch began to see opportunities forming and he started the MPA program through the certificate in public management.
In his final year of the MPA program, Munch’s career took an interesting turn when he left full-time employment to pursue an internship with the city of DeKalb and then become a management analyst there Within one year, Munch was appointed interim city manager. He admits, this was an uncomfortable position to be in; however, he had an incredible professional network to help him through that challenge. He then settled into the assistant city manager role in DeKalb for about 18 months
In 2020, Munch was excited to accept a position in his hometown of Naperville as budget manager and in 2022, he was promoted to deputy finance director and finance director in 2024. Munch explains, “We all want to achieve great things. I like to think that much of my success comes as a result of providing good public services and taking care of my people I frequently talk with my people in the finance department about our mission, which is to support the departments that deliver core public services, such as public safety, public works and utilities ”
Public service can be demanding. There are plenty of afterhours obligations, such as board meetings and special events That can be challenging; however, there are more positives than negatives Munch’s wife, Kelley, also works for the city of Naperville as a senior communications specialist, so she appreciates his commitment to public service They try to leave work at work, but will often hear their kids say at the dinner table, “Can we stop talking about work already?” Whether or not they want to be, Munch’s sons are wellinformed citizens with a very real view of how the world (or at least local government) works. They know what is going on in their community and have a deep appreciation for all employees that make the city run Munch’s advice for midcareer professionals is to consider furthering their education He says, “Don’t be intimidated by the thought of going back to school. While there is a significant time commitment, I found school to be so much easier having life experience to back it up.”
When not at work, Munch enjoys most anything outdoors including golf, hiking and working in the yard He is an avid sports fan and enjoys watching a game with friends and a cold beer in hand He also likes to cook He now owns three different types of Weber grills: gas, charcoal kettle and smoker. Working the yard while tending to some ribs on the smoker is a good Saturday for him.
Ray Munch.
Alumni Spotlight
Jack Linehan (‘14)
City Administrator, Falcon Heights, Minnesota
Minnesota’s Dynamic Duo
Jack and Laura were meant to be together and to work in local government They met at a political science social event at Winona State University shortly before Jack moved to Illinois to start the MPA program Laura, a senior at WSU, debated many offers from graduate schools, but chose NIU for her MPA During their time at NIU, their relationship developed and, after finishing her finals, Jack proposed to Laura with a ring made from a diamond that he had won in a raffle at the 60th ILCMA Conference!
Jack’s Journey
Jack Linehan grew up in a small tourist town in Minnesota and knew from the 10th grade he wanted to work in local government However, when he told his grandmother that he wanted to be a mayor when he grew up, her sage advice steered him toward city management, “Oh, you don’t want to be a mayor, trust me. You want to be a city manager.” That stuck with him and his decision was confirmed when a local city administrator came to his high school for a career presentation. Armed with degrees in public administration and political science, with a minor in economics from Winona State University, Linehan was poised to embark on his career
In 2011, the peak of the recession and Linehan’s summer before his senior year, Jack was looking for an internship Not only were local governments not hiring but they were experiencing massive layoffs Linehan worked at an unpaid internship with Chisago County, Minnesota and realized that getting hired after college by a city seemed bleak It was during that time that Professor Thurmaier came to Winona State University to share what NIU had to offer: A chance at a paid, two-year internship and the opportunity to get your foot in the door of local government Acceptance into NIU’s MPA program became a “lifeline of hope” for Linehan and what he felt was his only chance at realizing his dream of becoming a city manager.
Working for the city of Lockport, Illinois, and the village of Gurnee, Illinois, he moved up from intern to assistant village administrator. Linehan was able to move back home to Minnesota and has been the City Administrator of Falcon Heights, Minnesota, since 2022.
Linehan is most proud of the work he has done as city administrator for Falcon Heights, an urban community of just over 5,000 residents that borders St Paul and is home to the Minnesota State Fair and the University of Minnesota – St Paul campus The city bears the scars of the tragic 2016 killing of Philando Castile by a contracted police officer Linehan has since worked tirelessly to bridge the divide between a wounded community and its law enforcement, collaborating with everyone including Castile’s family and frontline officers This has been a formidable challenge, but Linehan’s preparation at NIU has proven invaluable
A seasoned leader, Linehan continues to refine his craft as a city manager Inspired by a career alongside exceptional public servants, he is passionate about mentoring future generations Linehan’s goal is to cultivate a diverse cohort of leaders who will shape the city for years to come
An avid outdoorsman, Linehan finds solace and adventure in nature. He shares this passion with his daughter with whom their happiest moments are spent kayaking or camping. While his love for the Minnesota Vikings might have sweetened the move back to the Twin Cities, it’s the state’s natural beauty that truly calls to him.
Laura Linehan (‘15)
Community Relations Manager, Little Canada, Minnesota
From the heart of Wisconsin, a classically trained Suzuki violinist with a penchant for public service, Laura embarked on a journey that would blend her artistic passions with a deep-rooted desire to serve her community A family steeped in government service ignited a spark within her, transforming a love for volunteering into a lifelong pursuit
Originally drawn to the world of arts administration, Linehan’s path unexpectedly veered toward local government after gaining invaluable experience through internships. Recognizing the potential impact she could make brought her to pursue her MPA degree, a strategic move that would become a cornerstone of her career. NIU’s MPA program provided more than just education; it fostered a strong network of like-minded individuals who continue to be a source of inspiration and support no matter where she travels to
Laura’s Path
She fondly recalls her time in the NIU MPA Class of 2015 as an honor “Not only were we all very close (many of us still are), but we also were the class that survived the transition to the once-a-week, five-hour classes from 5 to 10 PM”, Linehan jokingly shares. She also describes the entire MPA experience as a joy with great memories. She still shares her experience of her capstone project with others (an analysis of municipal branding and economic impacts in a community) as it fueled her passion for municipal branding today.
From intern for the village of Morton Grove to management analyst for the village of Glenview and completing her time in Illinois as the assistant administrator/director of human resources for the village of Fox Lake, Linehan’s journey through Illinois municipalities showcases her versatility and leadership. Linehan worked as a senior consultant for Baker Tilly and now holds the position of community relations manager for the city of Little Canada, Minnesota. Each position has offered opportunities to make a tangible difference in the lives of residents. Linehan holds many fond memories of the incredible professionals that she has worked with along the way.
Linehan’s professional accomplishments include multiple human resource certifications, with her being most proud of the Certified Labor Relations Professional (CLRP) through the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association She recently received a Bronze Level Northern Lights Award from the Minnesota Association of Government Communicators for Community Engagement
With a heart full of ambition and a family to consider, Linehan envisions a future where she can continue to ascend the ranks of local government, her ultimate goal of becoming a city administrator/manager When not immersed in the world of local government, she seeks fulfillment through music, aiming to revive her violin playing in a Twin Cities orchestra
Student
Jim Moran
Assistant Village Administrator, Antioch, Illinois
Jim Moran’s career path in local government has been anything but linear Moran’s dedication to public service began in high school as a police explorer and continued through college where he spent summer breaks working in public works. Moran’s voice and expertise led him to a successful career in radio for many years (you may recognize his name as the traffic reporter on WLS and WBBM radio) However, his love for local government drew him to serve as a village trustee in Libertyville, Illinois. While family commitments necessitated a move out of Libertyville, his communications skills brought him to the city of North Chicago where Moran helped develop a robust outreach program.
Jim and Elizabeth Moran and their two daughters
Now, as assistant village administrator for the village of Antioch, Moran is at the forefront of local government leadership and decided to pursue an MPA at NIU The program’s national recognition for its focus on local government management perfectly aligned with Jim’s goal, to step into a leadership position Jim will complete the MPA in May 2025.
Despite the program's demands and his career, Moran is active with the ILCMA Communications Committee as a co-host of the ILCMA Local Gov Stories podcast He also makes time for his wife, Elizabeth, and their daughters, Ginny and Anna They’re a family that enjoys spending time together, whether it’s cheering on the Cubs and Blackhawks, exploring local history of which he is an author “Images of America: Libertyville” or simply enjoying the company of their dog Dolly
Moran.
Moran encourages high school and undergraduates to get involved in local government, “It doesn’t matter where you start. The fundamentals of good governance and leadership can be learned and used anywhere ”
Moran’s story is a testament to the power of a lifelong commitment to public service and the transformative power of education. Our NIU MPA program is proud to be a part of his journey
Jim
Haley Petragallo
Intern, Bartlett Fire Protection District
Driven by a desire to make a tangible impact, NIU MPA student Haley Petragallo is dedicated to a career in local government. Growing up in Malta, Illinois, surrounded by passionate public servants, Petragallo initially gravitated toward international relations, earning her Bachelor of Arts degree from Grand Valley State University However, a call for local impact led her to pursue her masters in public administration at NIU When selecting an MPA program, Petragallo was impressed by NIU’s dedicated alumni community
Petragallo serves as the first intern at the Barlett Fire Protection District which has provided her with a keen interest in public safety, communications and the fire service She has worked on many projects including the development of the Decennial Committee Report for the state of Illinois, the District’s Annual Operating Budget and submission to the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA), receiving the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award She has served on committees including the District's Health and Safety Committee, Insurance Service Office (ISO) Fire Rating Committee, and Grant Committee Her first year in her internship has provided her with experience in budgeting, human resources, management, labor and social media
Petragallo’s supervisor, Fire Chief William Gabrenya (MPA ’18), described Haley this way, “Haley has been an incredible intern Since day one, Haley has been part of the team She has been a huge asset to the district and is now part of the family We hope never to lose her ”
Petragallo identifies the internship program as the most valuable resource offered by the NIU MPA program The internship has provided her with the opportunity to work on real-world projects, apply classroom knowledge in practical settings and build a strong professional network all of which will undoubtedly benefit her future endeavors She also commends the program’s focus on professional portfolio development, as it equips her to effectively showcase the skills she has gained.
Petragallo is enthusiastic about tackling the challenges facing public administration today, particularly in areas like sustainability, infrastructure and housing. She finds comfort in knowing that she will be part of a collaborative effort to improve the lives of those in her community. She explains, “Public service can be demanding, and having a network of friends, family, mentors and colleagues to provide encouragement and guidance is crucial ” Lastly, Petragallo mentions that perseverance is certainly necessary, but the connections you forge will pave the way for your success in public service.
Haley Petragallo and Fire Chief William Gabrenya
Financial and Stewardship Report
What Does This Report Cover?
The following donor roll recognizes the generosity of alumni and friends who made gifts to our Department of Public Administration during our most recent fiscal year This includes gifts received from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
Thank You For Your Support
We are deeply grateful for the generous support of our donors Your contributions have been instrumental in advancing our department’s mission and enabling us to equip future leaders with the skills, knowledge and resources necessary to advance the profession of public service and make a lasting impact on their communities
In Case of Error...
Despite our best efforts, errors sometimes may unfortunately occur If your name was inadvertently omitted, included, contains misspellings or you believe your giving level is not accurate, please let us know so that we can update our records by emailing publicadm@niu.edu.
Connect With Us
Stay informed about department news, events and updates by following us on social media. Connect with us to be the first to know!
Learn How You Can Help
To learn more about ways to support our Department of Public Administration’s mission, please contact Denise Burchard at dburchard@niu edu
FINANCIALANDSTEWARDSHIPREPORT
Donors and Stewardship
LEADERSHIP-LEVEL DONORS ($1,000 TO $9,999)
Rita and Gregory Athas
James and Audrey Banovetz
Martin Bourke and Cathryn Dolan-Bourke
Osvaldo and Julia Cedillo
Richard and Joyce Escalante
Michael Peddle
Robin and James Weaver
SUSTAINING-LEVEL DONORS ($500 TO $999)
Mr Daniel W Di Santo
Paul and Diane Culhane
Richard Frampton
American Online Giving Foundation
SUPPORTING-LEVEL DONORS ($250 TO $499)
Mr. Christopher B. Goodman
Bruce A. Rocheleau
Dawn Wucki-Rossbach and John Rossbach
Peter and Kim Stettler
Matthew and Valerie Zimmerman
HR Green Inc
CARING-LEVEL DONORS ($1 TO $249)
Moses and Melanie Amidei
Mr. Carney and Ms. Pat Barr
Stephen and Diane Berley
Mrs. Dee F. Bruemmer
Daniel M. Cabrera
Randolph Cano
Mr Stephen R Collins
Tomas Farace
Mr William E Feithen
Mr Mark T Franz
Mr James A Grabowski
Mary Vail-Grube and Geoffrey Grube
Laurie Hokkanen
John and Laura Hulseberg
Mr Shawn E Jeffers Sr
Ms Jaclyn K Kator
Mr John L Klaiber
Barry Krumstok
Ms Julie Langer
Edward and Sue Ellen Madere
Mark and Patricia Masciola
Mrs. Paula A. McCabe
Mr. Justyn E. Miller
Ms. Ashley E. Monroe
Ms. Claire F. Nass
Mr. David J. Niemeyer
Mr. James H. Norris
Mr Michael S O’Brien
Dawn and Joseph Peters
John and Karen Phillips
Ms Coren L Plasch
Mr David S Plyman
Catherine and Gerald Radek
Mr Scott E Robinson
Tracy and Scott Schaefer
Mr Scott A Skrycki
Piper Stettler
Mr Daniel H Streed
Mrs Sharon E Tanner
Mr Jay W Terry
John and Vicki Terry
Kurt and Jeanine Thurmaier
Mrs Patricia Townsend
Jerrold and Carol Zar
AT&T Foundation
Board of Advisors
James Barr
Maureen Barry
Elijah Bebora
Kevin Catlin
Ashley Englemann
Richard Escalante
Jeff Fiegenschuh
Laurie Hayes
Shawn Jeffers
Shayne Kavanagh
Paul LaLonde
Mitch Michel
Michele Pankow
Cory Plasch
Kimberly Richardson
Matt Schuenke
Tara Semenchuk
Chris Setti
2023 Topgolf
Sponsors
Ancel Glink, P.C.
Brad Townsend
Christopher B. Burke Engineering
City of Rochelle Comcast
Michael Peddle
Elrod Friedman LLP
GovHR USA
HR Green
ILCMA
IRMA
Klein, Thorpe & Jenkins Ltd
Municipal GIS Partners
Richard Frampton
Ryan Johnson
TERRA Engineering Ltd
Tria Architecture
1425 W Lincoln Hwy
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