Seton Hall University MPA Program Launches New ICMA Student Chapter with Kickoff Event

Seton Hall University’s Master of Public Administration program celebrated the establishment of its new International City/County Management Association student chapter with a dynamic kickoff event featuring Greg Poff, township manager of Randolph, NJ, as the inaugural guest speaker. Hosted by Adam Kuczynski, assistant professor and program faculty member, alongside MPA students, the event marked a significant step in bridging academic theory with real-world local government leadership.

The newly formed ICMA chapter aims to prepare future public service professionals by introducing students to the local government management profession, connecting them with ICMA’s extensive resources and networks, and fostering practical applications of classroom learning. Key goals of the chapter include integrating students into the local government management community, familiarizing them with ICMA’s ethical standards and best practices, and creating a collaborative environment where members can share experiences and insights.

Greg Poff, a seasoned public administrator and the chapter’s dedicated mentor, shared invaluable perspectives from his multifaceted career, including his service in the Peace Corps, advocacy work in the nonprofit sector and leadership as a county manager during the COVID-19 pandemic. His engaging anecdotes provided students with a vivid understanding of the daily challenges and rewards of city and county management, from crisis response to community engagement.

The event underscored the MPA program’s commitment to fostering hands-on learning and professional development. By partnering with ICMA, Seton Hall aims to empower students to become innovative, ethical leaders prepared to address the evolving needs of communities.

Seton Hall’s MPA program, renowned for its emphasis on ethical leadership and public service, continues to expand opportunities for students to engage with practitioners and gain practical experience. The new ICMA chapter further solidifies the university’s role in shaping the next generation of public administrators.

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