Take an inside look at the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration and see how its top-ranked Master of Public Administration program helped one student turn a passion for public service into a clear career path.

 

Few programs prepare future public leaders like the University of Kansas School of Public Affairs and Administration. Ranked among the best in the country, including No. 1 in local government management, KU’s MPA program pairs rigorous academics with real-world experience that helps students move ahead quickly.

For Emma Roniger, a political science graduate of Wichita State University, that path became clear through KU’s City and County Management Fellows Program. What started as a general interest in government turned into a focused career in city management, supported by mentorship, applied learning and professional opportunities.

In this Jayhawk POV student perspective, Emma shares how KU helped her discover the field of city management, gain national-level experience and step confidently into public service. From publishing to presenting at conferences, she shares an inside look at the program and why KU continues to lead in public affairs education.

KU School of Public Affairs and Administration

My Name is Emma Roniger and I am currently a City/County Management Fellow through the school of Public Affairs and Administration. I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Administration.

The KU SPAA department is ranked number one for local government management, which is one of the various reasons I chose to relocate to Lawrence.

I had always known that I wanted to help people, I just had to navigate through which capacity I would do it. Throughout high school I was involved in student council, and through that my love of government flourished. 

As I worked through undergrad, I had planned on becoming a lawyer, but something didn’t quite feel right. After countless hours of research, I found the field of local government, more specifically, city management.

At that moment, it clicked. That was what I was meant for.

That journey led me to The University of Kansas, where I have received a phenomenal education, as well as career opportunities that have pushed me ahead more than I could have ever imagined. KU has done everything possible to prepare me to be at the top of my field.

Inside KU’s Master of Public Administration

Through my competitive fellowship I have been allowed the opportunity to apply what I’m learning into real life application. The City/County Management fellowship is special in that in your first year of the program, you are above what a full-time grad student threshold would be, and work part time at an internship.

Furthermore, in your second year, you are to find either a fellowship or a full-time position.

While in my part time position at The League of Kansas Municipalities, I have had various networking opportunities. I have been able to write an article on the topic of Gen Z in Local Government for the Kansas Government Journal, which was then republished by the International City/County Management Association in their Public Management Magazine.

I was also given the opportunity to host a panel regarding the topic of Gen Z in Local Government. I have also been recently accepted into the highly prestigious ICMA Local Government Management Fellowship program. This all wouldn’t have been possible with the University of Kansas helping as well as guiding me through these endeavors.  

MPA Careers in Action: Fellowships, Conferences and National Networks

Being a City/County Management Fellow also awarded me the opportunity to attend the International City/County Management Association Conference in Tampa, Florida, fully funded by KU SPAA, and alumni.

During this I networked and attended amazing sessions on community development and how to love where you live. Networking is incredibly important in this field, to meet successful alumni from the program was incredibly important, and they gave us great advice on what the future looks like in the career and how to navigate difficult times that will come up.

Being a public servant is the greatest honor, and I love knowing that I will be helping people for the rest of my life.

Why Choose KU for Your Master of Public Administration

Choosing The University of Kansas has been the most important decision I have made for my personal and professional development. I have met amazing people, and my classmates have been key in my success.

The community that I have created in Lawrence is going to be long-lasting and irreplaceable. KU faculty and staff have been incredibly supportive and are always on our side, walking us through whatever questions we have.

I am proud to be a Jayhawk and will forever be grateful for the University of Kansas and how much it has helped me start my career on the right step.