Aaron Dagres is a public speaker and presenter at Bradford School Columbus, a Central and Executive Committee member of the Licking County Democratic Party, and the president of the Licking County Democratic PAC in Newark, Ohio. He brings 10 years of professional experience to the O’Neill Online program.
The design of the online program made accomplishing my goals while balancing life possible.
Why did you choose the O’Neill Online MPA program?
As a veteran and an IU alumnus, the choice was simple. The flexibility of the program and the ability to be virtually a part of the number one program in the nation, in classes with top caliber students and professors with a wealth of experience made this decision a no brainer for me.
How has the flexibility of the online program helped you to balance all of your responsibilities?
As a father of three young boys who travels three to five days a week for work covering the entire state of Ohio while still having other volunteer and political responsibilities, the design of the online program made accomplishing my goals while balancing life possible. For years I thought doing that was not possible, but this program put that goal in reach.
What are your main academic/policy areas of interest and what led you to those interests?
My area of concentration is policy analysis, but I have focused on international security policy, and African policy combined with nonprofit management. Curiosity led me down this path. I have always been passionate about international policy, and given my volunteer past in nonprofit organizations it only made sense to work to better understand how to make them more successful.
Is there anything else you would like prospective students to know about you or your experience in the program?
The professors have been incredible and bring a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field to the table that they are willing to share, which makes you feel more a part of the university even when working remotely through O’Neill Online. What has been fascinating to me is the ability to complete the program at your pace. Not all programs provide you that luxury. I have met students in year three or four of the program, while I personally hope to complete the program this July in only 15 months. O’Neill Online gives you a lot of flexibility.
