Dallas City Hall recognized a major achievement this week as the first class of employees completed the City’s new on-site Master of Public Administration program, offered in partnership with the University of Texas at Dallas. The program, designed to strengthen the City’s internal leadership pipeline, traces back to July 2022 when Dallas issued a Request for Proposals to launch an MPA degree program delivered directly at City Hall. The goal was to create a rigorous, accessible path for employees pursuing advanced training in public service and management.
Our School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences responded to the proposal, and in Spring 2023 the City awarded the university a five-year contract to operate the program through its Public and Nonprofit Management faculty. Together, UTD and the City designed a two-year structure that allows employees to take two courses each semester while continuing to work full-time serving Dallas residents.
Recruitment for the inaugural cohort began shortly after the partnership agreement was finalized in April 2023. By Fall 2023, the first class launched with employees representing a range of City departments.
City Manager Kim Tolbert praised the graduates for their commitment, noting the balance they maintained between work, family responsibilities, and graduate study.
Graduates of the inaugural cohort include:
“These employees represent the best of public service,” Tolbert said, calling their achievement a reflection of both their discipline and the strength of the City’s partnership with UT Dallas.
The City also acknowledged the work of its Human Resources Department and the UTD team responsible for launching the initiative. A second cohort has already begun the program and is expected to graduate in Summer 2027.
“This is how we build capacity,” Tolbert said. “This is how we invest in our people. And this is how we strengthen the future of public service in Dallas.”
For more information, please contact: Ted Benavides, Professor of Practice of Public and Nonprofit Management & MPA Director: tjb051000@utdallas.edu | 972-883-4745
