SAU MPA Public Policy Fellowship

The Southern Arkansas Master of Public Administration program is accepting applications for the position of MPA Public Policy Fellow for the Spring 2025 semester.

This semester long position will provide one student with the opportunity to collaborate, develop, and propose innovative public policy solutions for pressing issues facing Arkansans. While the scope of issues will vary according to the needs of our partners and current events, the chosen candidate will have some flexibility in pursuing their policy interests

The successful candidate will work with the faculty of the SAU MPA program and members of the Public Policy Center at  the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture.  Position duties will vary, and the candidate will be required to work well without direct supervision, follow legislative updates throughout the semester, and create well-written products for the general public.

Other responsibilities may include:

• Provide faculty and partners with support in research and analysis of various topics, organizations, and key players
• Assist in the development of informational materials and resources for lawmakers, community members and any other content needs.
• Assist in the development of case studies of promising practices
• Assist in the collection, aggregation, and analysis of data, reporting and recommendations for our partners.
• Provide any other content or operational support as needed.

This is a paid position, and the chosen Fellow will work virtually 9-10 hours per week.  Applicants must be accepted into the Master of Public Administration program to be considered for the role.

How to Apply:

Applicants should fill out the application via the Career Services website and submit an essay in response to the questions below.  Applications are due no later than January 7^th and will be reviewed and interviews conducted before the start of the Spring semester.

The application can be found here.

Please respond to the following essay questions in your own words.  Essay responses should be no more than 2 pages total.

1. What are your future goals? Do you anticipate working with policy and/or interacting with the public at large?
2. What policy interests do you have? Discuss why this issue is of interest to you personally.

Prospective applicants may contact Dr. Amber Overholser, MPA Program Director via email at aroverholser@saumag.edu.