Student Outcomes

Alumni | Student Testimonials | Employment | Graduation Rates | Careers

Alumni

Sara Continenza (MPA '14)
Founder and Executive Director
Food Strong
 

Katherine Gallagher - (MPA and J.D. '10)
Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Community Innovation
Cuyahoga County
 
 

Matt Hrubey - (MPA '12)
Business Services Manager
Cuyahoga County
 

Caitlin Johnson - (MPA '11)
Senior Consultant
Burges & Burges Strategists
 

Miranda Lange - (MPA '14)
Strategic Communications and Outreach Advisor
Department of Labor 
 

John Litten - (MPA '11)
President & CEO
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Cleveland
 

David Lukas - (MPA '11)
Assistant Director
Summit County Department of Community and Economic Development 
 

Jim Lukas - (MPA '96)
Safety Service Director
City of Sharonville
 

Leo Miller - (MPA '94)
Regional Administrator
U.S. Department of Labor Employment and Training Administration

Emily Muttillo - (MPA '06) 
Director of Research
Center for Community Solutions

Dr. Evelyn Rivera (MPA '96)
Co-Founder
Latin American Historical Society of Cleveland, Ohio (LAHSO)  

Tanesha Seaborn - (MPA '16)
Director of Education and Outreach
Fair Housing Center for Rights & Research
 

Mary Siwierka (MPA '25) (Retired)
Former Instructor, Cleveland State University; City Council Member, City of Elyria; and Human Resources Director, City of Avon Lake

 

 

MPA Graduate Student Testimonials (From the MPA exit surveys)

Here's what a few alumni have to say about the program:

"This a very well-rounded program. The expectations are high, making this program challenging – but I learned a great deal."

"The curriculum has many beneficial capabilities that broaden analytical thinking and collaborative discussions. The academic centers provide multiple resources, and the faculty are well-respected and are nationally recognized."

"I benefited the most from my graduate assistantship. I got to know many professors, hear their thoughts, form stronger ties with my cohort, and gain a better understanding of the goals of the MPA program."

"All the professors are knowledgeable and provide a great atmosphere for discussion."

"The MPA program's strengths are diversity, the strong connection to Cleveland, and the economic development courses."

Our Graduates: Making an Impact Across Sectors

MPA graduates of the Maxine Goodman Levin School of Public Affairs make an impact locally, nationally, and internationally. Grounded in public service, our NASPAA-accredited MPA program prepares graduates for careers across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. We are proud of our students' academic achievements and our graduates’ career success, reflected in our graduation and employment rates.

Graduation rates for MPA students (2020-2021 Cohort)

*All percentages are based on 37 of the 38 students initially enrolled, excluding one who transferred to and graduated from our Master of Nonprofit Management program.

Employment and Continuing Education Outcomes: Class of 2024-2025

MPA students who graduated during the 2024-2025 academic year (23 in all) are employed primarily in local government and nonprofit organizations. Other graduates entered the private sector, and one is continuing their education.

• Nonprofit sector: 4
• City, county, or other local government: 10
• Federal government: 1
• Private sector (research/consulting): 1
• Private sector (not research/consulting): 1
• Obtaining further education: 1
• Unknown: 5

Where our Graduates Make an Impact: Careers across Sectors

The tables below highlight some of our MPA graduates’ current and former employers across, public, nonprofit, and private sectors.