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Duke’s Sanford School of Public Policy is ushering in a new era of public leadership with the launch of its Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program—an executive degree designed for professionals eager to elevate their impact in government, nonprofit, and corporate sectors. With a powerhouse faculty lineup and a curriculum tailored to real-world challenges, the program is set to equip leaders with the skills needed to navigate today’s complex policy landscape.
At the helm of this new initiative is Asher Hildebrand, a seasoned policy expert and professor of the practice at Sanford, who sees the MPA as a crucial step in shaping the next generation of public leaders. “This program is built for professionals who want to sharpen their skills, expand their networks, and drive meaningful change,” said Hildebrand. “By combining the expertise and academic rigor of our full-time faculty with the applied knowledge of our adjunct practitioners, our MPA faculty cohort is poised to help them achieve these goals.”
The MPA is structured as a hybrid, accelerated program that blends online coursework with in-person residencies, making it accessible for working professionals. Its interdisciplinary curriculum combines a core emphasis on policy analysis and data analysis with a concentration in leadership, management, and ethics, offering applied training to established or emerging public affairs leaders.
Sanford’s interim dean, Manoj Mohanan, expressed his enthusiasm for the program and the faculty behind it. “We are launching this program with an incredible team of faculty who lead in their fields and bring deep experience from academia, government, the nonprofit world, and beyond,” Mohanan said. “Their collective expertise will provide our students with a learning experience that is both intellectually rigorous and immediately applicable.”
The faculty roster includes a team of respected names in public policy and leadership:
- Mac McCorkle will teach Policy Analysis for Public Leaders, equipping students with the analytical tools to evaluate and craft effective policies.
- Sarah Komisarow will lead Data Analysis for Decision-Makers, providing a strong foundation in using data for informed policymaking.
- Phil Napoli will teach Navigating the Information Environment, addressing the evolving media landscape and its impact on public affairs.
- Doug Brook will guide students through Public Budgeting & Financial Management, a critical area for any policy leader.
- Heidi J. Everett will teach Leadership, Management & Change, focusing on strategies for driving organizational effectiveness.
- Caryl M. Stern will bring her expertise to Nonprofit Management & Strategy, helping students lead and grow mission-driven organizations.
- Chuck Barber will teach Organizations, People & Culture, offering insights into managing teams and institutional dynamics.
- Joab Corey will lead Economic Analysis for Decision-Makers, ensuring students grasp key economic principles for policy application.
- Heather Hurlburt will guide students through Decision & Negotiation Strategy, essential for effective leadership in high-stakes environments.
- Patricia Harned will teach Ethics, Values, & Public Affairs, grounding students in the moral dimensions of public service.
- Michael Schoenfeld, Jillian Irvin and Deborah Witchey will co-teach Communications & Advocacy Strategy, a vital skill for policy influence and stakeholder engagement.
- Asher Hildebrand will lead the MPA Capstone Project.
This faculty cohort reflects Sanford’s commitment to blending academic expertise with practical experience. With backgrounds spanning government service, nonprofit and philanthropic leadership, media strategy, and public engagement, these instructors offer students a comprehensive view of what it takes to lead effectively in public affairs.
The program’s inaugural cohort will convene in Summer 2025, with applications for the second cohort set to open in August. As Sanford launches this exciting new initiative, it reinforces its mission of preparing leaders who are ready to tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. For those looking to deepen their expertise and expand their influence in public affairs, the Duke MPA offers an unparalleled opportunity.