The Bush School of Government and Public Service at Texas A&M University awarded second-year students in both the Master of Public Service and Administration (MPSA) and the Master’s Program in International Affairs with certificates in leadership and writing prior to graduation. Fifty-three students earned the Dean’s Leadership Certificate while thirty completed the Writing Portfolio Project.
In order to complete the Dean’s Leadership Certificate, students had to complete an individual leadership plan, attend two leadership workshops, take a core leadership course, complete several leadership assessments, and attend a professional coaching session. Students worked extensively with Dr. Joe Cerami, director of the Public Service Leadership Program, and Holly Kasperbauer, assistant director, to complete these requirements.
The Writing Portfolio Project entailed working with Sally Dee Wade, the Bush School’s writing expert, to edit at least two papers for a portfolio of writing samples. These samples can highlight specific policy or career interests and feature students’ research and writing capabilities. Many students submit their portfolios as writing samples during their job search.
Bush School Acting Dean Andy Card, who presented students with their certificates, expressed the importance of mastering both skills to help students succeed as they move through their careers. During the ceremony, Bush School Executive Associate Dean Samuel Kirkpatrick said the two programs make the Bush School unique.
“There isn’t another school like this across the nation that provides this kind of leadership and writing training in addition to core academic requirements,” Kirkpatrick said. “These programs set the Bush School apart and will set students apart from colleagues in the workplace.”
