Where Will Our Future Leaders Come From?

Wright State University's decision to cut a program hits a personal note

I wasn't exactly what you'd call a stellar high school student. Mediocrity was my hallmark, not because I lacked academic ability, but because, as a teenager, I found other things more compelling. I had a penchant for Social Studies, thanks to teachers like Mr. Barrett and Mr. McDougall, far more than for any English or Math class. Moreover, the hours I spent working at the local hardware store taught me lessons that, in retrospect, were just as valuable as those learned in any classroom.

In my senior year, I made the decision to attend Wright State University, inspired by an older cousin who had graduated from there. After attending a few classes with him, I felt a growing affinity for the campus and its community.

The moment I wrote the check for my first year's tuition from my savings, something clicked in my 18-year-old mind: my academic success had become a deeply personal financial investment. It was a make-or-break moment, largely dependent on my own efforts.

With a combination of hard work, perseverance, and sheer determination, I excelled during my first two years at Wright State, frequently making the Dean's List and, more crucially, developing study and time management habits that propelled me to a successful completion of my undergraduate studies.

Choosing a major was a daunting decision that every second-year student faces. After much reflection and discussion, I enthusiastically chose Urban Affairs.

The Urban Affairs program was a precursor to the school's Master of Public Administration (MPA) graduate program. It covered a wide range of subjects, from city management and public budgeting to geography, public safety, and even ethics—a personal favorite.

A unique advantage of the Urban Affairs program was that many courses were dual-listed with the MPA program, allowing for a blend of graduate and undergraduate students in the same classroom. This was an invaluable opportunity to learn alongside professionals already working in the field.

I graduated with honors and secured a Graduate Research Assistantship, furthering my studies towards an MPA. Surprisingly, I performed even better academically in graduate school and was named the most outstanding student in the MPA program upon graduation.

So, how does this relate to today's newsletter topic?

Recently, Wright State University announced the discontinuation of several programs, including Urban Affairs, due to declining enrollment. This decision has struck a chord with me, prompting reflections on the relevance of such programs in today's world.

Is Urban Affairs becoming irrelevant? I certainly hope not. Communities, whether large cities or small towns, face complex and challenging issues every day. From environmental crises to economic downturns and questions of identity and development, the skills taught in Urban Affairs are crucial for addressing these challenges.

The elimination of the Urban Affairs program not only signals a shift in academic priorities but also raises concerns about the future of public administration education. With declining enrollment in MPA programs nationwide, we must question the future relevance of these degrees.

However, the need for well-educated, collaborative leaders in our communities has never been greater. As we face a potential future without these academic programs, we must seek new ways to cultivate a generation of leaders equipped with both technical skills and the ability to unite people towards common goals.

Thank you for engaging with today's Civic Capacity Newsletter. If you've found this discussion insightful, I encourage you to share it and contribute your thoughts in the comments. Your support for this project is immensely appreciated.