Dawn Cooley is a current O’Neill Online MPA candidate who lives in Louisville where she serves as a congregational life staff for the southern region of the Unitarian Universalist Association. Dawn brings seven years of web and database development consulting experience as well as 12 years of experience serving as a minister.
I am excited to take these skills and use them to continue to make the world a better place.
Why did you choose the O’Neill Online MPA program?
I chose the O’Neill Online program for several reasons. First, a few O’Neill graduates I knew highly recommended the program. After a bit of research, I learned that it was the top in the country, especially in my field of nonprofit management. And finally, I liked the idea that it was close to home, so that if I wanted or needed to head to Bloomington for something I could. I took one hybrid course and have participated in O’Neill Online Week, and it was wonderful to meet professors and fellow classmates in person.
How has the flexibility of the online program helped you to balance all of your responsibilities?
I travel a lot around the southern United States for my job, and I knew I would not be able to commit to an in-person program. The online program allows me to connect from anywhere, and to do the classes on my own time. It has allowed me to be around for my two teen children when they need me, continue to my work, and still learn and grow through the classes and interactions with others.
What are your main academic/policy areas of interest and what led you to those interests?
The religious landscape has changed radically in the last 10 years. People give both their time and their finances to congregations very differently now. I chose nonprofit management originally because I know the congregations have a lot to learn from the nonprofit world. While I did expect to enjoy the program, I did not expect to love it as much as I do. I am now excited to take these skills and use them to continue to make the world a better place—whether that is through supporting congregations trying to bring more love into the world, or nonprofit organizations utilizing their resources for a cause.
Is there anything else you would like prospective students to know about you or your experience in the program?
One of the most interesting things about the O’Neill Online program is the people you meet. Certainly, the professors excel in their fields, which makes it all the more wonderful to learn from them. But my fellow classmates have amazed me. I can’t think of many other programs where I would be in class with nonprofit and government workers, a missionary in South Africa, a Peace Corps volunteer, an intelligence officer and other military folks stationed around the world. The students come from a diverse age range and life experience, and this deeply enriches the program.
