Public administration graduate eyes career in nonprofit leadership: Indiana University Kokomo

KOKOMO, Indiana— When Grace Marshall made her decision to go to college, being able to live at her home in Hartford City and commute was a priority.

Although other schools were closer, she chose Indiana University Kokomo for her major in public administration, which aligned with her plans for a leadership role in a nursing home or care facility. health.

“It was the only place that had the degree I wanted to pursue, and it was passable,” she said. “I really liked the atmosphere of the small campus. Even though I was a commuter, I really felt part of the community at IU Kokomo. This is something for which I am extremely grateful.

She is also happy to have landed a job even before she graduated in December 2021. She is the tobacco prevention coordinator at the Jay County Drug Prevention Coalition.

“It was a big weight on my shoulders to have a job in my career field before I graduated,” she said. “The timing was perfect. This work has broadened my view of the world a lot and I am grateful for that.

Marshall works with local government officials and in schools, providing education on tobacco-free lifestyle initiatives, and is currently trying to pass a smoke-free air policy in Jay County. She found that what she learned in class is already benefiting her.

“I see how my classes translate into real life,” she said. “One of my classes was on harm reduction, which is what we do at the Coalition. We learned about professionalism and leadership, which has been very useful to me when leading people and working with legislators and lobbyists at the local and community level. I used a lot of what I learned in public administration politics.

Marshall said the degree in public administration gave her flexibility when she decided to change direction, working more in the health and welfare sector, rather than healthcare administration. . A health and human services internship at Purdue Extension Blackford County confirmed her pivot, as she enjoyed collaborating with extension staff and state health coalitions to create health and wellness programs, healthy eating and food insecurity.

Hyunkang Hur, assistant professor of public management, praised Marshall as a good role model for future APHM students.

“Grace was an ‘A’ student, but better than that, she was a hard worker, and her attention to detail and thoroughness made her an excellent student and a pleasure to teach,” he said.

Marshall hopes to continue working in the nonprofit sector, with the goal of being a CEO in the future. She plans to prepare for this by returning to school for her Masters in Business Administration – but says she wants a break from school first.

She was thrilled to be a part of the campus community once again, as she participated in the launch ceremony on May 11.

“Just being able to reunite with my classmates is something I’ve been looking forward to,” she said. “I was delighted to be surrounded by everyone.”

Education is KEY at Indiana University Kokomo.