Student Services at the Institute of Public Service

Internships

Internships are strongly recommended for those students who seek to test new career paths, gain skills, and forge connections with practitioners in the field. Employers seek out our students because of their maturity, technical skills, and cutting-edge theoretical knowledge.

Career Support Services

The IPS faculty and staff work together with the Career Services Center to provide practical career development services to students. The Institute sponsors career events such as Job Club, a Public Administration Career Night, and symposia.

MPA Student Association

The MPA graduate student association represents student interests to the faculty and administration. The group also sponsors social and career events, represents the newly formed local chapter of the national public administration honor society, Pi Alpha Alpha, and collaborates with other club organizations on community service projects.  

President: Eric Sanders is in his second year in the MPA program.  He attained a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Washington.  Currently, he serves as a claims examiner for the U.S. Department of Labor.  He looks forward to continuing his career in the federal civil service. The MPA program has greatly expanded his personal and professional knowledge.  Eric has found his colleagues to be diverse and passionate about public administration.  He is looking forward to continued active engagement with his fellow students, staff, and alumni.  sanderse@seattleu.edu

Secretary: Leslie Harris served as public information officer and special events coordinator in the public sector since 2006. Leslie’s responsibilities include managing the agency’s external and internal communications, community relations, media relations, event planning, and policy development. Prior to joining the public sector, Leslie held the position of advertising and public relations manager for an aerospace engineering company. Leslie holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and graduated from the Advanced Public Information Officer course taught at FEMA’s Emergency Management Institute in Emmitsburg, Maryland. Leslie enjoys sports, especially hockey, and volunteering.  harrisl3@seattleu.edu

Vice-President: Patrick Fernandez is from Kent, WA. He received a BA in Law and Diversity from Western Washington University. His hobbies include travelling, cooking, and reading books on history. He is a big fan of football, especially the Seattle Seahawks. Patrick looks forward to working with the MPA students and representing student interests to the faculty and greater campus!  fernan24@seattleu.edu

Treasurer: Ashley Plaga attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Communication Studies.  In Nebraska, she worked as the Events Coordinator for the Dialysis Center of Lincoln, Inc.  She moved to Seattle to attend the MPA program at Seattle University and is now in her second year.  plagaa@seattleu.edu

ASPA 

The American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) is the professional association for public administration. ASPA's mission is to advance the art, science, teaching and practice of public and non-profit administration.  Kacie Luderus, a second year MPA student became a member of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) in 2008, during her first quarter of the MPA program.  Kacie became actively involved with the local Evergreen Chapter by attending monthly board meetings.  In 2008, she served the board as a student representative.  In July 2009, she became an elected board member and chair of the Membership Committee.  The Evergreen Chapter has a reputation as being a very active ASPA chapter, committed to program and member development.  To view the current chapter activities and events visit the ASPA website at www.aspaonline.org/evergreen or to learn more about the benefits of  ASPA membership contact Kacie at luderusk@seattleu.edu.

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