Master of Public Administration

Newsletter of the TAMIU Master of Public Administration Program
The MPA Focus

Spring 2026

Program Highlights

A Message from the MPA Program Director

This spring 2026 newsletter of The MPA Focus highlights one of the most active years in our program's history. Our academic and professional achievements as a scholarly community were capped by the tremendous excitement surrounding the program's 25th anniversary celebration in October 2025. At that event, everything the program stands for came alive - faculty, administrators, community leaders, staff, alumni and students connected and celebrated together, reminding us what we can achieve when we act with a shared purpose.

As our university president, Dr.Christopher Maynard, congratulated theMaster of Public Administration (MPA) faculty, alumni and students - and as Laredo Mayor Dr.Victor Treviño proclaimed October 2025 as MPA Program Month - we responded with enthusiastic applause. Yet the true silver lining of all that excitement was the momentum it generated as we now prepare for our third re-accreditation bid with the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA) for the 2026-27 cycle.

If what we witnessed throughout 2025 is any indication, our program's staff is confident that we are well-positioned for the re-accreditation process. On that note, I congratulate our faculty, alumni and studentsand remind everyone that our work isnot yet done. Join us as we continue to build momentum.

Dr. Peter F. Haruna
Professor
Department of Social Sciences, Public Administration and Government
MPA Program Director

From the Desk of Our Faculty

Dr. Jihoon Jeong Selected For NASPAA Next 2025 - 2026 Cohort

Dr. Jihoon Jeong, assistant professor of public administration at Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), has been selected for the 2025?26 NASPAA NEXTCohort,aprestigious yearlong leadership development programfor early-career faculty in public service education. Guided by the theme "Building the Bench: Cultivating the Next Generation of Public Service Leaders," the NASPAA NEXT initiative aligns with NASPAA's 2025-26 Presidential Vision to prepare emerging academic leaders who will help shape the future of public service education through mentorship, collaboration and strategic learning.

Dr. Jeong joined TAMIU in 2022 and focuses his research on nonprofit and public partnerships, cross-sector collaboration in public service delivery, and local government and public management. Through his participation in the NASPAA NEXT Cohort, he will engage with a global and interdisciplinary network of scholars to explore inclusive and ethical leadership practices, sustainable pathways to academic leadership, and contributions to NASPAA's future governance and strategic direction.

Dr. Mehnaaz Momen Honored with the Dr. Carol Waters' Faculty Impact Award

Dr. Mehnaaz Momen received the Dr.Carol Waters' Faculty Impact Award during the MPA Program's 25th anniversary celebration in October 2025. Named after the program's founder and first faculty member, the award recognizes an MPA faculty member whose teaching, scholarship and service exemplify excellence in public administration. It honors faculty who enrich the classroom experience while serving as mentors, innovators and leaders within the university and the broader community.

Dr.Momen joined TAMIU in 2002 and is a full professor of public administration and government. A Fulbright Scholar, she has conducted research in Canada and brings international experience from her work with a nonprofit organization in Bangladesh. Her scholarship focuses on citizenship, immigration, borders and political satire, and she is the author of several acclaimed books, including Listening to Laredo: A Border City in a Globalized Age; Political Satire, Postmodern Reality, and the Trump Presidency: Who Are We Laughing At; and The Paradox of Citizenship in America: Ideals and Reality.

Dr. Peter F. Haruna Awarded the Jean-Claude García-Zamor Best Paper Award

Dr. Peter F. Haruna has received the Jean-Claude García-Zamor Best Paper Award from the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA), recognizing outstanding research in international and comparative administration. The award was presented during the Spring 2025 ASPA Conference in Washington, D.C. and is named in honor of longtime ASPA member Professor Jean-ClaudeGarcía-Zamor.

Dr. Haruna co-authored "Context, Culture, and Governance in an Informal Community in Ghana: A Case Study of Community-Based Adaptation in Public Administration" with Dr. Jessica Kritz, assistant professor in Georgetown University's Department of Global Health. Using a longitudinal research design and participatory action research, the study examineshow public valuesand belief systemsshape governance and administrative practicesin informal communities. The research offers both theoretical and practical insights into strengthening relationships between government and citizens amid declining public trust, with implications for public health policy and public management.

Data, Discovery, and Impact

MPA Faculty Presents Research on Structural and Administrative Analysis in Webb County, 200-2020

TAMIU's MPA faculty conducted an in-depth research project examining howWebb County, as both a political and administrative unit of the State of Texas, can strengthen governance and build more resilient and equitable communities in a post-COVID-19 landscape. Led by Dr. Peter F. Haruna, professor and director of the MPA program, and Dr. Mehnaaz Momen, professor of public administration, the study was formally presented to theWebb County Commissioners Court in August 2025 and continues to inform conversations on local government capacity and reform. They were joined by MPA student and graduate research assistant Victoria Alfaro, who supported the project through research design, data collection, translation, analysis, and community engagement.

The project used institutional, organizational, and individual-level analysis to identify patterns, opportunities, and barriers shaping governance and service delivery. Researchers worked closely with local officials, department heads, and community centers in Bruni, Fernando Salinas, Rio Bravo and El Cenizo to strengthen collaborative networks and ensure the study reflected community priorities. While Webb County has experienced socioeconomic change and population growth, the findings show that its foundational administrative structures and culture have remained largely consistent, reinforcing the need for intentional, integrative reform.

The report outlines recommendations across administrative and structural arenas, including strengthening communication channels, investing in workforce development, expanding performance measurement, and enhancing public engagement and trust-building efforts. The project also supported teaching and mentoring, with bilingual MPA student research assistants contributing to research design,

Spanish translation and proofing, interviews and focus groups, transcription, and analysis. Funded through a TAMIU Presidential Award with counterpart support from the Webb County Commissioners Court, the research reflects TAMIU's commitment to applied scholarship and collaborative partnerships that connect academic inquiry with real-world public service.

Learn more about TAMIU Professors Present Research Offering Structural, Administrative Analysis of Webb County

MPA Students Present Research on Government Efficiency at the 29th Western Hemispheric Trade Center

MPA students from Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) presented original research virtually at the 29th Western Hemispheric Trade Center (WHTC)Conference, held in April 2025. The student projects examined how public organizations respond to technological change, demographic shifts and climate pressures, with an emphasis on government efficiency and public trust.

Presentations included:

• The Youth Aware of Mental Health Program by KiaraSanchez, MPA '25
• Educators' Experiences with Teaching During COVID-19 by Kristin Pedersen
• County Government on the Border: A Framework of Exploratory Research by Victoria Alfaro

Using data-driven approaches, the studentsanalyzed how public organizationsoperate and how leaders can strengthen performancewhile rebuilding public confidence. Their work also reflected renewed attention on how agenciesmeasure effectivenessamid declining trust in government. According to a 2024 survey by the Partnership for Public Service, only 23 percent of Americans trust the federal government, down from 35 percent in 2022.

"At a time of declining trust in government, I was interested in examining county government as the level residents interact with most directly," Alfaro said. "As an MPA student, studyingWebb County allowed me to explore how accountability, decision-making and service delivery at the local level shape public confidence. Understanding county government helps explain where trust in public institutions is built - or begins to break down."

The 29th Annual WHTC Conference was hosted by TAMIU's A. R. Sanchez, Jr. School of Business and co-sponsored by the Center for the Study of Western Hemispheric Trade in collaboration with Mexico's Universidad Autónoma de Tamaulipas and Universidad Tecnológica de Tamaulipas Norte. The conference featured both in-person sessions at TAMIU and virtual sessions, allowing participants to connect across borders through live-streamed presentations.

"Presenting at the conference gave me the confidence to share my expertise on a subject I spent countless hours researching, "Sanchez said. "It empowered me to discuss topics I believe are necessary for people to understand, not only for this event but in everything that I do."

Established in 1999, the MPA program at TAMIU is committed to preparing students for leadership and management roles in the public and nonprofit sectors through applied learning, research and community engagement. Drawing on its location in the South Texas border region, the program emphasizes culturally informed public service in an increasingly interconnected international context. Students are trained to think analytically and critically while developing the communication and leadership skills needed to manage public agencies, programs and projects."One of the most meaningful parts of my graduate studies at TAMIU was the chance to participate in conferences," Pedersen said. "Presenting my participatory action research at the Western Hemispheric Trade Center allowed me to share lessons learned from educators across multiple countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a true capstone to my MPA journey, and I'm grateful for the support that made it possible."

On the Move

Athena Cortez Named Interim Vice President for Institutional Advancement at TAMIU

Athena Cortez, a current MPA student, has been named interim vice president for institutional advancement at TAMIU. In her new role, she oversees fundraising, alumni and donor relations, public affairs, marketing and communications, and event services. Her work focuses on raising the university's visibility, securing financial support, and strengthening ties with alumni, donors and the broader community. Cortez began her appointment in January 2026.

Cortez joined TAMIU?sOffice of Institutional Advancement in 2016, servingmost recently as Director of Development. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Communications from the university in spring 2005.

"Being both a vice president and an MPA student has given me a unique perspective of having real-world experience and academic knowledge," Cortez said. "My MPA coursework has helped me learn more about leadership, government and public-sector policy, giving me a more analytical way of looking at problems. These different points of view help me balance short-term operational needs with long-term strategy and ensure decisions are well-informed, fair and mission-driven. I'm also excited to contribute to university-wide planning as a member of the leadership team and to see how Institutional Advancement supports TAMIU's long-term goals."

Cortez credits the MPA program for strengthening her leadership approach through its emphasis on accountability, public value and evidence-based decision-making. She added that the program has provided tools and frameworks to help her manage resources, lead teams and collaborate across units.

"Athena's appointment reflects the kind of leadership we aim to develop in the MPA program? leaders who can translate public service principles into strategic action," said Dr. Peter  F. Haruna, professor of public administration and director of the MPA program. "Her work in Institutional Advancement strengthens the university's capacity to serve students, build community partnerships, and secure resources that support long-term success."

Looking ahead, Cortez said she is excited to contribute at the executive level and strengthen collaboration across campus."I value the perspective our MPA community brings," she said. "We often see issues, opportunities and solutions through a broader public-service lens. I look forward to connecting with students and faculty and ensuring Institutional Advancement continues to meet the needs and aspirations of our university community."

MPA Alum Cynthia Covarrubias Joins the City of Laredo as Grants Coordinator

Cynthia Covarrubias (MPA '23) has joined the City of Laredo as grants coordinator. In her new role, she will oversee grant funding to support the city's economic development priorities, including research, proposal development, compliance and reporting.

Covarrubias earned a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture - Plant and Soil Science/Agronomy from Texas A&M University-Kingsville in 2020. During her time there, she supported student academic and career successthrough theCenter for Student Success. Her experience working with students and the local community inspired her to expand her leadership and public service skills, leading her to pursue the MPA program at TAMIU.

"The MPA program has played a key role in my professional growth," Covarrubias said. "It has prepared me to be a community leader, strengthening my understanding of grant funding and governmental organizations, and reinforcing the importance of transparency in public service."

During her graduate studies, Covarrubias served as a graduate research assistant, supporting projects that strengthened community engagement and public service capacity. She later worked with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service as an extension agent, coordinating programsacrossWebb and Zapata counties that supported community education, school partnerships and agriculture-related initiatives, including community gardens and youth outreach efforts.

Since starting her new role this winter, Covarrubias has helped advance the City of Laredo's funding initiatives to address local needs and strategic priorities. Her work reflects the MPA program's emphasis on preparing graduates for public service leadership."Cynthia's work in grant coordination is a perfect example of applied public administration. She is using her skills to bring critical resources into the community, support local priorities, and strengthen government capacity-exactly what the MPA program prepares students to do."

Fall 2025 Graduation: What's Next

Meet members of the Fall 2025 Graduating Class

Kiara Sánchez

"The most important thing that I've learned throughout this program is that every paper, every discussion, every final, was not answered by how I thought the Professor wanted me to, but what I started to understand as the public administration expert they were teaching me to be. I believe that, at times, it was second nature for me to second-guess myself against the book, until I realized that this program was setting me up to internalize all the lessons, feedback, and opinions of my peers to make the decisions I knew were correct all along."

Timothy Wright

"The TAMIU MPA program was both rigorous and intellectually challenging, pushing me to grow as a leader and thinker. The faculty were consistently supportive, engaging, and deliberate in their approach, creating an environment where academic excellence and real-world application came together in meaningful ways."

Deodata Torres

"Completing the MPA program reinforced my commitment to public service and strengthened my understanding of how thoughtful, ethical leadership can create meaningful community impact. The program equipped me with practical tools,policy insight,and a deeper appreciation for accountability in government. As I continue working in local government, I am preparing to pursue a doctorate in Public Administration to further expand my capacity to serve effectively. The MPA experience has been foundational in shaping both my professional growth and long-term vision."

Student Spotlight

Meet Marylyn Guerrero

She is an MPA student making an impact beyond the classroom. She serves as a financial aid advisor at TAMIU and holds leadership roles as chair of the Leaders Organizing Volunteer Events Committee within the Student Government Association and as risk manager for the College of Arts and Sciences Graduate Student Association. She has earned the Bronze, Silver, and Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Awards, as well as the MPA Scholarship Award.

Q: What motivated you to pursue the MPA program at TAMIU?

A: Initially, I felt discouraged because TAMIU did not offer the degree I hoped to pursue; however, I was committed to earning a master's degree and staying in Laredo. While speaking with a friend in the MPA program at the Student Center, Dr. Haruna happened to pass by, and my friend introduced us. He kindly invited me to his office to discuss the program and answer my questions, and after that conversation, I left feeling completely different from when I walked in. I applied and submitted all required documents that same day, a decision I still believe was meant to be. I am deeply grateful to both my friend and Dr. Haruna for helping me become part of the program.

Q: What has been the most meaningful experience, project or lesson you've taken from the program so far?

A: One of themost meaningful experiences in the programwasusing it asa platformto build and support the community.TheMPA programcommittee organized amemorable Christmas celebration that will stay withme forever. This past December, we spent a beautiful evening at Sacred Heart Children's Home, sharing conversation, meals and Christmas cheer. Watching the children open their gifts was truly heartwarming, as their joy became a gift to us all. This experience showed how the program extends beyond coursework and readings, putting its goals into action in the community.

Q: How has the MPA program supported your growth or shaped your goals?

A: The MPA program community is welcoming and supportive of one another's efforts, goals and achievements. During the program's 25th anniversary celebration, I observed firsthand a community that genuinely embraces and celebrates each other's success. As individualswere recognized with awards, others responded with sincere applause, admiration, and encouragement. Afterward, members took time to connect, learn about one another and engage in meaningful conversationsabout their accomplishments. This strong sense of community motivates me to remain involved and continue striving to grow and excel throughout my journey.

Q: What are you currently working on (professionally, academically, or personally) that you're excited about?

A: This year, I am excited about a new opportunity presented by the Office of Student Affairs. Along with nine other students, I will be traveling to Seoul, South Korea, to share our commitment to community service abroad. While the final details of our service activities are still being finalized, I am thrilled to be returning to Seoul this March. I look forward to serving others, meeting new people, developing new skills, and sharing this meaningful experience when I return.

From MPA to Impact

Selene Cruz Cruz

Selene Cruz Cruz (MPA '22) is a second-year J.D. candidate at St. Mary's University School of Law, where she is building on a longstanding commitment to public service and community-centered advocacy. With more than eight years of experience in education and curriculum development, she has worked as an instructional developer and curriculum writer, designing literacy-focused lessons and supporting student learning in public school settings. She also brings seven years of immigrant-rights organizing to her legal studies as a co-founder of the Laredo Immigrant Alliance, where she has engaged in community organizing, research and deportation-defense support.

Cruz Cruz credits TAMIU's MPA program with strengthening her leadership skills and grounding her work in collaborative,service-oriented practice. During her graduate studies, she was selected to present her research on "Compassionate Immigration Policy Advocacy" at ASPA's 2019 Fred Riggs Symposium in Washington, D.C., an experience she says bolstered her confidence in her academic and professional pursuits. As a first-generation law student, she continuesto draw on thementorship and discipline developed during the MPA programas she navigateslaw school and ongoing community involvement. CruzCruz is currently pursuing public-interest and immigration-focused summer internships that will allow her to continue serving immigrant communities while developing the professional skills for a career in law.

Megan Tinajero

Megan Tinajero (MPA '21) serves as a PPOHA-BRAVO coordinator at St. Mary's University in San Antonio, where she supports student success and community-centered programming. Her work reflects a sustained commitment to public service, equity and leadership development. Prior to her current role, Tinajero worked as a career coach with Project QUEST, Inc., further strengthening her experience in workforce development and student advocacy.

Tinajero earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from St. Mary's University, where she was named Community Coordinator of the Year for her work with the Psychology Living and Learning Community (2018-19). Motivated to expand her leadership and public service skills, she continued her academic journey at TAMIU's MPA program, where she maintained a 3.8 GPA and held executive positions with the Public Administration Student Association. Her dedication to service was recognized nationally in May 2022 with the Public Allies AmeriCorps Integrity Award, which honors individuals who demonstrate exceptional accountability, stewardship of public trust and commitment to their communities. Building on her academic and leadership achievements, Tinajero continues to pursue opportunities that advance public service and community impact.

Alejandra Peña

AlejandraPeña (MPA '23) is a third-year J.D. candidate at St. Mary's University School of Law, where she is building on a strong foundation in public service and legal advocacy. She bringsmore than a year of experience asa legal intern and clerk,havingworked with Bexar County, the TexasAttorney General?sOffice and theU.S.House of Representativesunder Congressman Henry Cuellar. During her time at TAMIU, Peña was recognized for her leadership and service with the Gold Presidential Volunteer Service Award (2023), the Vice President's Award for Outstanding Service to the University Community (2022) and the R.I.S.E. Dustdevil Award (2021), and she held executive roles within the Student Government Association.

While pursuing her MPA degree at TAMIU, Peña served as a graduate research assistant, contributing to research on civic engagement among Hispanic career professionals inWebb County. She credits the MPA program with strengthening her research, writing and analytical skills while preparing her to navigate complex legal and policy frameworks."Most importantly, the MPA experience strengthened my ability to connect theory with practice," Peña said, "equipping me with the tools necessary to serve my community with honesty, creativity and purpose."