With the goal of one day teaching college students, Police Chief Robert Benson enrolled in Marist's Master of Public Administration program for its comprehensive curriculum. With over 30+ years as a Public Servant, Chief Benson hopes to instill his wealth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of students. 

During his time in the MPA program, Chief Benson found that he was able to put many of the aspects he learned in his classes into practice. Of his courses, his Human Resource Management class gave him the most actionable skills he could immediately implement into his organization. "I use the tools I have obtained from the MPA program daily as a police chief," said Chief Benson. 

After enrolling in the accelerated program, Chief Benson initially found the amount of reading overwhelming. He was concerned about fitting his classwork into his already demanding schedule. However, to his surprise, Chief Benson ended up enjoying his coursework. "I found the assignments and readings rewarding because I could relate most of the material as activities that I could use daily. The professional development skills I gained from this program are beneficial not only to me but also to my organization," he said. 

Chief Benson said of his experience, "The MPA program at Marist left a lasting impression on me. If you are interested in non-profits, medical management, or public service, this program is perfect for you. The MPA program has provided me with a solid foundation for my professional journey."