Department of Public Administration
Mission Statement
The Public Administration Department at Grambling State University houses the Master
of Public Administration (MPA) program which is accredited National Association of
Schools of Public Affairs and Administration (NASPAA), the body which reviews and
accredits national and international public affairs education programs.
The mission of the MPA program at GSU is “to prepare individuals for administrative
careers in governmental sectors (i.e. federal, state, and local) as well as provide
graduate degree opportunities.”
To accomplish its mission, which supports that of the university, observable goals
and outcomes were established which are used to evaluate the program’s success and
also ensure that assessment expectations are met.
Program Goals
Goal 1: Promote excellence in student support services
Goal 2: Train and prepare students for civil service careers
Goal 3: Foster a strong connection to the professional community and the region through
well designed and enriching practical experiences for the students and faculty
Goal 4: Encourage faculty excellence in teaching, research productivity, and service
to the profession
Goal 5: Advance and maintain an ongoing collaborative oversight of the program
Degree Program Offered
The Public Administration Department is an academic unit in the College of Arts and
Sciences which offers a graduate degree in:
*MASTER of PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION (MPA)
Sponsored Activities:
The MPA program sponsors co-curricular activities, including:
*The Master of Public Administration Association (MPPA)
*The Health Service Administration Club
*The PI Gamma Mu National Social Science Honor Society
Research Activities:
Graduate students in the Public Administration Department are encouraged to attend
professional conferences, engage in independent research efforts, and join faculty
on research projects. The Office of Academic Affairs often provides sponsorship for
faculty to attend professional meetings and conference, while the Graduate Students’
Association provides funding for students to attend annual meetings and to and conferences.
Admission:
Admission into the MPA program is managed and coordinated jointly by both the School
of Graduate Studies and Research and the MPA program. The School of Graduate Studies
first receives and evaluates potential applications, and forwards eligible applications
to the MPA faculty Evaluation Committee to screens applicants for admission into the
program.
Governance:
The MPA program is governed by a Director and the Nucleus faculty.
Department Head:
Geoffrey Lemmy Akoma, Ph.D., M.P.A.
Interim Head, Public Administration Department
Nila Willhoite Endowed Professor for Health Administration
Director, Master of Public Administration Program
Professor & Academic Adviser
Jacob T. Stewart Suite 328
Grambling State University | Grambling, LA 71245
Phone: (318) 274-3127/2310 | Fax (318) 274-3427
akomalg@gram.edu or akoma33333@yahoo.com
