We asked alumni, “What’s a fact, skill or tool you learned at the Glenn College that you still use today?” See their answers below.
Scotty Claar, MPAL ’25
“This is going to be an odd answer, but I learned that even though I had been retired from the Air Force for 12 years after a 24-year career, I didn’t know how to think like a civilian. This got me to wonder how many other veterans were like me, so I did an online survey and it turned out, there are A LOT like me. I am now taking an EdD course in order to help me create a course to help other veterans transition back into the civilian world. My plan is to teach it on a small scale, hone it, then turn it over to the Department of Defense so I can help others. None of this would be possible without my time at the Glenn College.”
Bailey Culp, MPA ’24
“The Glenn College helped put into perspective how policy in theory gets translated into policy in practice. I can attribute my understanding on how to convey data and theory into practical, applicable messaging and policy implementation to the Glenn College.”
Stacy George, BA, Public Policy, Management and Leadership, ’19
“Fact: Kate Hallihan spoke to one of my first-year classes and said something along the lines of ‘An important factor in a job search is culture. You could be well-qualified, and sometimes the culture fit of an organization just isn’t a match. If you don’t get an opportunity, remember that perhaps the environment wasn't going to be for you, and instead of finding yourself in a hard situation, the company did the vetting for you.’
I use this fact a lot to ground myself in a job search. The advice gives me permission to loosen up, present my authentic self and interview them just as much as they are interviewing me.”
Sarah Hungler, MPA ’19
“I still use things I learned in my Excel skills class with Kim Young. It’s amazing how frequently an IF formula comes in handy tracking legal cases and deadlines!”
Patrick N. Kaune, MPAL ’23
“The skill I use most from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs is the ability to bring together diverse stakeholders to solve complex problems. The Glenn College reinforced that leadership is not about having all the answers. It is about listening, building trust, analyzing information and creating shared solutions. Whether commanding military organizations, serving in local government or leading professional development programs today, those lessons continue to guide my approach to leadership and public service.”
Abby Krummel, BA ’21
“Critical thinking — Through the Glenn College’s diverse coursework, I explored a wide range of topics and perspectives while collaborating closely with classmates. Class discussions and presentations challenged me to think critically, consider new approaches and refine my reasoning through constructive feedback and thoughtful questions. Learning to evaluate the ‘why’ behind decisions and ideas strengthened a skill I use every day and one that was significantly developed during my time in the Glenn College.”
Andie McDonald, BA, Public Management, Leadership and Policy, ’20
“As a local government legislative staffer, I often still think back to my 4310 State and Local Public Finance coursework through my daily work at Columbus City Council! Understanding the different mechanisms that state and local governments use to finance big projects, plan for growth and manage budgets continues to be very helpful in my career.”
Lisa Patt-McDaniel, MPA ’96
“Hands down — the Bryson Interest/Power Grid for analyzing stakeholders! I was just telling my class last night that I use this tool as the start of any strategic planning process, initiative or program analysis. Context setters, players, subjects or the crowd — a public leader lives and dies by them, LOL.”
Eric Russell, MPA ’08
“It's so difficult to identify a single fact, skill or tool out of the many things I learned at the Glenn College! I would highlight the methods of public policy research and appreciation of different skills, backgrounds and perspectives in the decision-making and management processes as the most significant. Having been in executive, senior management and operational roles throughout my career, I have relied upon those with different skills and backgrounds — and they have contributed significantly to my, and as a result the public’s, benefit.”
Mari-jean Siehl, MA ’06
“Hands down — program evaluation. I learned how to set up an evaluation plan for programs or grants I managed. The course also provided me with the skills necessary to evaluate external grant applications or programs from other entities when I acted as an evaluator.”
Paul Szymanski, MPAL ’14
“One of the most valuable skills I still use today is building consensus among people who don’t necessarily start with the same priorities, perspectives or desired outcomes. The John Glenn College of Public Affairs taught me the importance of listening to different viewpoints, understanding the interests behind those viewpoints and finding common ground.
I use this skill regularly in my work. Complex projects often involve multiple stakeholders who have different goals, concerns and expectations. Success is rarely about convincing everyone to agree with one particular position. Instead, it is about creating enough shared understanding and trust that people can move forward together. That is a skill I continue to rely on when navigating organizational change, resolving competing priorities and moving complex initiatives from discussion to action.”
Neil Townsend, MPA ’14
“One of the most useful things I learned at the Glenn College was how to apply public finance concepts to real-world decisions. In my work at Hamilton County Developmental Disabilities Services, I regularly draw on ideas like public goods, externalities, opportunity cost, market incentives and demand elasticity when thinking about budgets, services and how limited public resources are allocated. Those concepts gave me a framework for understanding not just what something costs but why government provides certain services and what tradeoffs come with every decision.”
Eric Vinyard, BA ’17; MA, ’22
“The fact I learned at the Glenn College and have continued to throw out over the years is who owns most of the national debt. The answer: us! Most people think its China or Japan based on headlines, but citizens like you and me are the largest holders of the United States’ growing debt.”