College of Graduate Studies

Josh McEnany

Davenport, Iowa

College:

College of Community Innovation and Education

Degree Program:

Public Administration MPA

Research Focus:

Public service

Public service has always been a priority for Josh McEnany. The Iowa native has spent the past twelve years working in the public sector and seeking new ways to give back to his community.

“Throughout my career, I strive to remain committed to serving the public and diligently finding ways to improve communication, leadership, and uniting the public through various measures,” he says.

After graduating from high school, McEnany moved to Florida, where he received his Associate of Arts Degree from Daytona State College, onto a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Indian River State College. Wanting to move forward in his career, he made the decision to pursue a master’s degree in Public Administration at UCF.

“I chose the University of Central Florida for its dominant program in Public Administration, and their online programs graduation rate was higher in previous years, compared to other institutions,” McEnany says. The studies are preparing him for his dream career by providing him with the tools he needs to be successful in this field. “The program has a unique roster of interactive classes preparing students for real-world scenarios happening within the public sector,” he says.

McEnany credits Nasrin Lakhani, Academic Services Manager with the School of Public Administration, with helping him navigate his educational journey; since he is the first in his family to attend graduate school. “She has helped me connect with the necessary parties and assisted with the entire layout of the program,” he says. He also appreciates the faculty in his program, saying all his professors have been “professional, responsive, and willing.”

McEnany advises his fellow students to stay committed to their studies, even when things get tough. “Along the way, some areas will get complex, but remember why you chose to pursue a graduate degree,” he says. His two greatest sources of motivation are his family and his commitment to results and improvements to better his organization.

Ultimately, McEnany aims to follow his passion for public administration while serving the community through his work. “What I like best about Public Administration is that the field continues to evolve,” he says. “Public Servants are always finding ways to enhance governments through innovation, policy, and community engagement.”

Once he graduates in January 2025, McEnany aims to further his career in local government and continue dedicating his time to improving the public sector.