Gwen chose the O’Neill Online program because of O’Neill’s quality, flexibility, credibility, and course load. She came to the program with 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector in various positions. She used her flexible work schedule and most weekends to complete her MPA coursework. While it was not easy, Gwen feels completing the program was well worth it.
Gwen credits receiving her MPA as a game changer in instilling credibility in the government affairs sector. She says her MPA provided credibility to her expertise and experience, especially because it was from O’Neill. Gwen’s O’Neill degree especially made a difference because the CEO of her current employer, Hosparus Health, received his MBA from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. Getting her MPA later in life also provided additional credibility because her colleagues understood that it took a different level of commitment because she already had a full-time job and a family while going back to school. Gwen feels that without a doubt, her MPA helps set her apart from others in policymaking and nonprofit management.
Gwen lives on a farm in Milltown, Indiana, with her husband and youngest son; her oldest son serves as an infantryman in the U.S. Army National Guard. She credits her husband and sons with helping her achieve her goal of earning her MPA.
