History of the Suffolk MPA
The Center for State Management was established in 1973 with a grant from the New England Regional Commission and additional support from the University. Instrumental in the success of the MPA program and its Centers and Institutes was Dr. Richard McDowell, who was appointed to Dean in 1974. Under his leadership, the School of Management grew greatly in student enrollment. Dean Richard McDowell worked with Dr. Dion Archon, Chairman of the Government and Economics Department, in planning curricula, and envisioned the Center as a training opportunity for professionals in state, federal, local, and regional governments. In addition, the Center was envisioned as a hub for performing applied research in public management and public policy.
In 1975, the first MPA program graduating class consisted of 20 students. Overall, there were 100 students enrolled in the program both at the University at the newly established satellite in Swampscott.
1975 also saw the Center assume the leadership of the Right of Way Institute, dealing with the training of MA Dept of Public Works employees in right-of-way and eminent domain procedures. 33 graduates completed the program and were awarded the designation of Real Estate Eminent Domain Analyst.
In 1976, the School was designated as a Founding Chapter of the Pi Alpha Alpha Honor Society, which recognizes and promotes excellence in the study and practice of public affairs and administration. At that time, Suffolk was the only school in New England to be so designated, and among only 10 chapters nationally with authority to admit graduate students.
The Suffolk MPA was first accredited in 1980 and was one of the first MPA programs nationally to be accredited by the Network of Schools of Public Policy, Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA). Since then, many MPA program graduates have become distinguished leaders in the government, healthcare, nonprofit, and corporate social responsibility sectors.
