What draws someone to policy and public sector work? How do they transform that passion to impact? We explore these questions and more in candid conversations with students, faculty and community leaders.

Their stories reveal the personal side of this work: the challenges faced, lessons learned and moments that remind us why what we do matters.

Explore the videos below, or call us at 469-871-6018 to connect with an enrollment specialist and learn more about joining the M.P.P. or M.P.A. program.

From grassroots to graduate school: Jade Miller talks policy impact, community roots and finding balance

“Growing up, I never saw people working in policy — everyone focused on fighting against the system. But I’ve learned you can create change from within while staying true to your roots and sharing these skills with your community.”

Meet Jade Miller, an SMU grad student who’s putting policy into action at Collective Action for Youth, where she leads youth-focused initiatives in education, child welfare, juvenile justice, youth homelessness and mental health.

She also landed an internship with the ACLU in Houston by turning inspiration into action: “I think my passion and my experience shined through.”

Jade’s M.P.P. classes fuel her advocacy work, while her passion for community transformation gives meaning to every project. “When people see your heart and what you really care about, it makes it easier to work on harder issues.”

Jade also offers honest insights about balancing school with work, family life and self care. Her advice as a working mom in grad school: “You have to trust yourself and believe that you can do hard things. Once you get past the hard part, the rest will fall into place.”

Meet the interviewer: Eva Chiang, Public Policy and Administration Lead Faculty and Academic Coordinator

“Right now, nearly every major challenge facing humanity is surrounded by policy, and these policies are struggling to keep up with our rapidly changing world. This is why we need passionate people who see how policies affect their communities and workplaces and want to be part of the solution.”

Eva Chiang is your host for these interviews. She leads SMU’s online Public Policy and Administration programs, overseeing curriculum development and student support while teaching courses.

With classroom experience ranging from pre-K to Ph.D.s, Professor Chiang prioritizes developing talented people who are experts in evaluating policy effectiveness. She brings real-world expertise from her decade at the George W. Bush Institute, where she still consults on policy evaluation.

Her own education spans law (J.D. from Texas A&M), education (Ph.D. from SMU, M.A.T. from Texas Women’s) and writing (B.A. from Baylor). Professor Chiang was also recognized as a UCEA Clark Scholar for her work in education leadership.

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To learn more about the Master of Healthcare Administration, Master of Public Administration and Master of Public Policy programs at SMU and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also talk one-on-one with an enrollment specialist directly by calling 469-871-6018.

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