MPA Program Named in Honor of Public Servant Fox

In recognition of a lifetime of public service, UNC Charlotte has named one of its first master’s programs The Gerald G. Fox Master of Public Administration Program.

Over 50 people gathered in Fretwell Building on August 15 to commemorate the naming, with representatives from local and state government, student groups, faculty and staff, and the community attending. The MPA program is housed in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration in the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences.

“I thank Jerry and his wife Dolores for what they have done for our community, our university and our college,” said Nancy A. Gutierrez, dean of the college. “I also commend Jerry for his role in continuing to broaden people’s understanding of public service.”

Fox served as Mecklenburg County Manager for two decades, retiring in October 2000 after overseeing a time of tremendous growth in the county. Fox also taught as an adjunct faculty member in the MPA program from 2000 to 2010 and has served in interim management roles for counties and non-profits since his retirement.

The Fox MPA program currently enrolls about 90 master’s students and more than 20 certificate students. Since its inception, the program has graduated more than 500 students who now lead numerous nonprofit agencies and hold positions in every level of government throughout the nation.

“In the 35 years since its founding, the master of public administration program has grown in relevance and stature,” said Chancellor Philip L. Dubois.

“The program prepares individuals to serve as managers in local, state and federal government, as well as in the nonprofit sector,” Dubois said. “It draws from multiple fields, including economics, sociology, political science, anthropology and law. Perhaps most importantly, it helps students cultivate the skills that allow them to see the proverbial forest beyond the trees.”

Fox has demonstrated and taught others those skills, Dubois said. “He is fair-minded and inclusive,” he said. “He has consistently and adeptly navigated shifting political currents. Dedicated public servants such as Jerry have been crucial to Charlotte’s transition from mill town to metropolis, as well as to UNC Charlotte’s transition to North Carolina’s urban research university.”

Program participants and community leaders initiated the effort to name the program, said program Director Suzanne Leland. Additionally, friends and colleagues of Fox and program supporters have established an endowment fund to support students. The effort has raised over $115,000.

“Students, faculty, alumni and community members wanted to do this to recognize Jerry’s dedication to mentoring UNC Charlotte students for 10 years and for mentoring many more people throughout his life,” Leland said.  “Jerry and I both know the value and legacy of a named program because we both come from the esteemed Edwin O. Stene program at the University of Kansas.”

UNC Charlotte’s MPA program marked its 35th anniversary in the 2011-2012 academic year. It is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration and is ranked 59th in the country among public affairs programs in the Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News Media Group rankings.

The primary objective of UNC Charlotte’s MPA Program is to provide professional training in public and non-profit administration.  Students develop mastery through applied techniques and administrative exercises appropriate to the management of government, nonprofit, and arts-related organizations. MPA students have the option to concentrate their studies in several specialized areas including non-profit management, urban management and policy, arts administration, emergency management and public finance.

To learn more: http://mpa.uncc.edu/