Choosing the MPA After the Peace Corps in Fiji

Posted February 7, 2026February 9, 2026 in Alumni, Public Administration MPA & EMPA, Stories

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After returning from service with the Peace Corps in Fiji, Hanan Allen sought a graduate program that aligned with her commitment to community development, international public service, and social impact. That search, prompted by a question posed by Public Affairs doctoral candidate Giovi Romero Sarubbi about how her Peace Corps experience shaped her next steps, led Hanan to reflect on what she needed from graduate study.

The Rutgers University–Camden Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, particularly its concentration in Community Development and International Public Service, stood out as a natural next step. The program’s proximity to the Philadelphia metropolitan area and its strong sense of community further appealed to Hanan. A campus visit in the summer of 2019 confirmed her decision, reinforcing that Rutgers–Camden was a place where she could thrive academically and professionally. Guidance from a close friend and fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer, Montrell Sanders, a recent MPA alum, also provided valuable insight into the program’s curriculum and long-term benefits.

Developing a Holistic Foundation in Public Administration

Through the MPA program, Hanan gained a strong foundation in cost-benefit analysis, human resource management, poverty alleviation strategies, nonprofit management, and the intersection of race and public administration. The program’s emphasis on community development and culturally responsive pedagogy shaped her approach to leadership and public service.

Hanan was inducted into Pi Alpha Alpha, the national honor society for public administration and public service. The rigorous curriculum challenged her critical thinking and helped clarify the kind of leader she aspired to become one committed to equity, inclusion, and meaningful systemic change.

Distinctive Opportunities at Rutgers–Camden

One of the most impactful aspects of Hanan’s graduate experience was participation in the Paul D. Coverdell Fellowship, a partnership between Rutgers–Camden and the Peace Corps that fully funded her MPA degree. This opportunity eliminated financial barriers to graduate school and allowed her to focus fully on her academic and professional development. She strongly recommends the fellowship to Returned Peace Corps Volunteers considering graduate study.

Hanan also took advantage of Rutgers–Camden’s study abroad opportunities, studying in Germany and Paraguay during the spring semesters of 2022 and 2023. These experiences deepened her understanding of global social movements, urban citizenship, gentrification, and international partnerships, while strengthening her cultural competence. Exposure to diverse educational and community contexts reinforced her passion for globally engaged public service.

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Preparing for a Career in Higher Education Administration

The applied nature of the MPA program prepared Hanan for her current role in higher education administration at the University of Rochester. Coursework in budgeting, nonprofit management, and program evaluation, combined with mentorship from faculty practitioners such as Dr. Erin Robinson, Dr. Gloria Bonilla-Santiago, Dr. Maréchal, and Dr. Hayes, helped bridge theory and practice.

The flexibility of the MPA degree enabled Hanan to explore multiple functional areas within higher education, including residential life, civic engagement, and disability resources, before identifying a professional niche in international education. Her work now centers on expanding access to study-abroad opportunities particularly for first-generation students and supporting students in developing global perspectives and competitive academic portfolios.

Reflecting on her experience, Hanan credits the Rutgers–Camden MPA program with providing global awareness, rigorous academic training, service-oriented frameworks, and cross-cultural competencies that continue to guide her professional journey. She remains committed to fostering globally competent citizens and advancing inclusive pathways in higher education.