WCU MPA Program

"Since graduating from Western Carolina University in 2017 with dual bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Law, and Marketing, I’ve built a career rooted in public service and community engagement. I began working with Buncombe County Government, supporting agricultural initiatives through administrative coordination and communications. After five years, I transitioned to the City of Asheville, where I currently serve in the Communications and Public Engagement department. In this role, I’ve had the opportunity to develop the City’s social media standard operating procedure, support emergency communications during Hurricane Helene, and earn my FEMA Advanced Public Information Officer certification. During this time, I also completed my Master of Public Affairs at WCU, which strengthened my ability to lead communications and public engagement. My education laid the foundation for a career that combines strategic communication with a passion for serving others."

Discover what our faculty members are researching! You can read the rest of Dr. Cooper's article by clicking this link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1089/elj.2023.0048