During the week of January 29, 2024, the Executive Master of Public Service Administration (EMPSA) program hosted students at their annual residency week. Excitement buzzed as current career professionals traded their usual routines for a week of immersive learning and connections with professors and former students in Aggieland.
The week kicked off with a warm welcome from the Executive Associate Dean, Dr. Maria Escobar-Lemmon, who outlined the schedule ahead and offered a great thanks to all those who could attend. Following the introduction, students had the opportunity to take a picture with A&M’s very own, Reveille.
The rest of the week was filled with stimulating classes led by Bush School Faculty members, Dr. Leonard Bright and Dr. Sonny Smith. Topics covered included the meaning of public service, leadership, and ethics. Students engaged actively in discussions, sharing their diverse experiences and perspectives, displaying the dynamic learning environment the Bush School aims to foster.
Beyond the classroom, attendees were able to hear from Dr. Lori Taylor, department head of the Public Service and Administration Department, as well as Dr. Lisa Brown, program director of the Office of Extended Education. Residency week also offered some unique opportunities for students to connect with the broader Aggie community such as participating in campus tours, and learning about some of the extracurricular activities offered at the Bush School.
By the end of the week, the EMPSA students closed out Residency Week with a presentation on Ethical Leadership in Public Service from Dr. Maria Escobar-Lemmon and another session from Dr. Lisa Brown. This special opportunity served as a reminder of the transformative power of education and the importance of community and collaboration in shaping public service leaders.
Residency Week dates in 2025 are TBD.
