Testimonials

“The MPA program at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa has significantly influenced my perspectives and practice of public service. It has improved my critical thinking around policies and my capacity to leverage evidence-based solutions to complicated social and institutional problems. I learnt through this program that it is essential to work towards equity-centered public systems where inclusion, ethics and accountability are at the core of each decision. I believe that this program has also helped me become a more strategic and reflective practitioner who has the background to enhance gender responsive and socially just policies in my consulting practice in Bhutan.”

— Wangchuk, Consultant (Class of 2025) 

“As a seasoned public servant with over 30 years of experience, I found the University of Hawaiʻi’s Public Administration Program to be transformative. Graduating in May 2024, the program catapulted me to the next level of leadership. I gained invaluable insights into management, public service, and ethical leadership. Courses in public budgeting, human resources, and public policy directly enhanced my daily work. This program sharpened my skills and deepened my commitment to serving our community. I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to grow as a public leader.”

— Melanie, Deputy Director for Administration, Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (Class of 2024)

“Being accepted into the PUBA program was truly a life-changing experience—one for which I am deeply grateful. Entering the program with no prior background in public administration, I gained not only a strong academic foundation but also practical knowledge and tools from all the incredible professors. Through coursework, volunteer work, internships, and the practicum experience, I was able to strengthen my skills and broaden my perspective. Most importantly, the knowledge, mentorship, and inspiration I received from PUBA faculty helped me secure my current position even before completing my degree. The lessons I learned continue to serve as guiding principles in my work every day. Mahalo nui loa for everything you’ve done—for me and for all PUBA students who aspire to make a difference.”

— Chetsada, Program Officer, Thailand-United States Educational Foundation (TUSEF/Fulbright Thailand) (Class of 2024)

“The MPA program was a life-changing journey that shaped my passion for public service and opened doors to my dream job at the International Monetary Fund. Serving as a Graduate Assistant for the PUBA program allowed me to learn from inspiring faculty and support a community dedicated to positive change. The program’s focus on ethical leadership, collaboration, and global awareness continues to guide my professional path. I am deeply grateful for the mentorship, friendships, and practical skills gained through the program, all of which empowered me to contribute meaningfully to international public policy and service.”

— Khaliun, Projects Analyst, International Monetary Fund (Class of 2021)

“The UH MPA program empowered me to be a leader in my industry by giving me the toolset to think critically, develop organizational plans and execute them, and to leverage coalitions and communities. This program was a critical step in my career. After graduating I became the director of a Hawai‘i non-profit, moved to DC to work for the largest solar trade association in the US, and now run government affairs and serve in a leadership role for one of the largest clean energy companies in Hawai‘i that does business around the world, all before I turned 35.”

— William, Senior Director of Government Affairs, Solaray Corporation (Class of 2017)

“Graduating from the PUBA program equipped me with the foundations necessary to grow in my career with state government, advancing from an entry level professional trainee to now the chief administrator of a major executive branch department. One of the core lessons of the PUBA program is understanding public service motivation (PSM) to explain why individuals choose public service. Knowing what PSM is, and what my own PSM is, informs my management and leadership style every day, ensuring effective operations and quality services to the public.”

— Brenden, Administrative Services Manager for the State of Hawai‘i – Department of the Attorney General (Class of 2017)

“The UH MPA program set the stage for my career in public service and continues to guide me today. Courses in policy, budgeting, and management provided the foundation to address complex issues, while the program’s emphasis on service and collaboration shaped my perspective on leadership. What I learned at UH has carried through every step of my career and now culminates in my work as a state legislator. I am grateful for the training, values, and confidence the program instilled—tools that help me serve my community effectively.”

— Andrew, Hawai‘i State House of Representatives (Class of 2006)

“I was fortunate to experience an academic environment that was both intellectually stimulating and personally supportive. The lecturers and fellow students were consistently kind, approachable, and encouraging. The opportunities for practical learning, including in the parliament and community engagement activities, were invaluable in developing my professional and interpersonal skills. These experiences provided a strong foundation for my career in academia, where I now serve as a lecturer at Universitas Sebelas Maret Surakarta Indonesia. I remain deeply proud to be part of the PUBA alumni community and welcome opportunities for collaboration and engagement in future academic endeavors.”

— Asal, University Lecturer (Class of 2005)

“The MPA program was one of my best life investments. Time and time again, I draw on what I learned and from it and still keep in touch with classmates 21 years post graduation. I love adding “MPA” to my signature block and feel the value it’s given me in career and personal growth is immeasurable.”

— Mike, Retired Healthcare Education Specialist, U.S. Federal Government (Class of 2004) 

“The chief insight that I gained was that at the masters’ level, learning is mostly left to the learner herself or himself – to use a local maxim, the more sugar put in, the greater the sweetness. To use space lingo, the faculty is like a booster rocket which provides an escape velocity to place the prospective learner in an orbit around the academic core. That, in my view, is an apt description of the “core” year. From then onwards the task of the faculty is to provide occasional course corrections. That academic boost has continued to put me on course to produce a book of public sector governance case studies but continues to show me how public servants see the citizens, especially in a developing world context. An important aspect was that the MPA provided me with academic credentials in an area in which I had been working for 15 years and for which I had no formal grounding.  That provided me the boost which has stood me in good stead till today – well beyond the end of my formal career.”  

— Syed, Former Cabinet Secretary – Government of Pakistan (Class of 2000)