Why Public Administration?

Why consider public administration as a career field? Why choose West Virginia University as the institution to prepare you for your role in this profession? Good questions.

A lot of discussion has been devoted to the first question. But several critical points should attract your attention. First, the public service constitutes a high calling. Those who carry the responsibilities for managing in government, no matter what the level, should be highly motivated, dedicated, and have a keen interest in accomplishment. Competence is a goal worth achieving. And its widespread application, threaded through the intricate arrangements that we use to make and execute policy, has enormous consequences. Second, professional performance in the public sector can literally "make or break" the character of democratic government. Lack of performance not only undermines our public institutions; it has the potential to destroy them. Third, the multiple impacts of successful careers in public management permeate every facet of the lives of citizens. The magnitude of our public administration workforce is, in itself, staggering. Over 15 million people are engaged in the effort. Considering this reality, can the importance of choosing a public service career be underestimated?

Now for the second part of the question. West Virginia University's Division of Public Administration is in itself a unique institution. We place great emphasis on selecting and maintaining a well motivated student population. Preparation of the professional is our principal objective. We wish to be particularly responsive to the needs of state, regional, and local governments and, as a means toward achieving that end, attempt to provide a total educational experience for the student.

We offer seminars of limited size to assure a high degree of mutual learning and potential of student interaction in a variety of settings that promote personal and professional growth.

The Division has developed the following mission statement to present its educational philosophy and approach and to be used in periodic assessment to guide performance. The mission of the Division of Public Administration at West Virginia University is to 1) Prepare professional public managers who seek to meet change and challenges in public service, 2) Serve the State of West Virginia, profession and community through extending Public Administration expertise and intellectual resources, applying knowledge and engaging in professional activity, and 3) Advance the state of knowledge in the field of Public Administration through scholarly productivity, publication and applied research.

In conclusion, we seek individuals whose expectations concerning themselves are considerable and who are interested in working with a faculty that identifies with attaining such personal and professional goals.

Sincerely,

L. Christopher Plein, Ph.D.
Chair, Public Administration