"The EMPA program has given me a lot of confidence. My MPA degree makes me feel that I accomplished something really special and reminds me that I can do hard things. It is also a resume highlight; I know that my MPA from BYU stacks up well against anybody."

—Daniel Softley, Provo City director of human services

“The EMPA has given me a better understanding of government and nonprofit structures, processes, and challenges, which will help me to knowledgeably enter into and navigate these sectors. It has helped to change my focus and empowered me to focus on what motivates me most—helping people.”

—Kristin Yee, LDS Church Interactive & Animation team manager

“Being able to immediately apply what I’m learning and take classroom principles to the office the next day is so valuable to my businesses. I’m happy to be at BYU because I’m making all my hopes a reality. We have dreams in life, and just because those dreams don’t happen in a certain order doesn’t mean they need to die.”

—Shannon Peterson, EMBA student, startup manager

“What I didn’t know when I started was how dramatically the EMPA program would impact every aspect of my life—especially my personal life—for the better. Doing this program completely changed my future, not only financially, but also in mission, vision and purpose.”

—Andrea Ramsey

“I’d come home after class so pumped because of how fascinating the [EMPA] material was. I appreciated the faculty; the professors cared about me and wanted me to succeed. Their passion for public service inspired me to learn more. I appreciated the camaraderie amongst my peers and the work that we accomplished together... I’m proud to [now] be a United States diplomat; this is something that I’ve worked hard for.”

—Clark Pew, 2017 EMPA graduate, United States Diplomat

“If I didn’t receive the education I did at BYU Marriott, I wouldn’t have the kind of employment opportunities I’ve enjoyed or the flexibility to travel and serve other people… BYU Marriott inspires me to want to do better and be better in all facets of my life: as an employee, father, and citizen. BYU has made a huge impact on me for good. We gained a testimony that the Lord can expand our capacity. I didn’t have time for good things. I only had time for better and best things.”

—Shawn Pace, 2019 EMBA graduate, sales manager

“The EMPA program has helped me to be proactive about solving problems in my department. I have more confidence in sharing my opinion and vision.”

—Michelle Stevenson, MTC executive assistant

“The EMPA program has helped me broaden my skill set and experience, giving me unique abilities to bring to any position that I accept in the future. It has also prepared me to tackle conflict in a more constructive way.”

—Elyse Bradley, BYU executive assistant

“My EMPA degree has opened doors and provided greater service opportunities both professionally and personally.”

—Travis Tasker

“The EMPA program has made me more aware of the political environment in which I work, and the program has helped me become much more effective at interpreting and presenting critical data.”

—Jacob Chrisman, Utah Municipal Power Agency marketing manager

“When people ask me about how I got the job, I say, ‘My EMBA -- there is no question. My job interview was unbelievable; I felt like I was just repeating my first year of coursework.”

—John Paul Parraga, BYU EMBA graduate, CEO of a healthcare organization

“The EMPA program has given me a deeper understanding of management. It has taught me more about people and how to understand them and motivate them.”

—Kurt Hansen, Millcreek City director of city services

“I will never worry so much about work again. Being able to do this while I work at the same time makes me think that I can do anything. I think learning to work with and for lots of different kinds of people will help me anywhere.”

—Karla Ward, BYU Wheatley Institution business and events manager