Lucas L. MartsolfMasters in Public Affairs Boosted Career

"I think it is important to share what IUP and this program has done for me personally as well as professionally.

"My passion to work closely with community members and their elected officials was the driving force behind my decision to further advance my education. As a graduate of IUP, I was already aware of IUP's outstanding reputation in this field, and I knew IUP was where I wanted to complete my graduate work.

"In 2008, due to my experience in public service and my interest in leadership and management, I applied to the MAPA program, and in a few months I received a letter from the Graduate Admissions office informing me that I had been accepted and granted a full graduate assistantship.

"Over the next two years, I received, what is in my opinion, a first-class education. In 2010, I graduated summa cum laude and immediately secured a position in a field that was directly specific to my studies and research.

"Currently, I am serving as the chief administrative officer responsible for the operation of the Antis Township government in Blair County, Pennsylvania. As the manager, I have the responsibility of administering the policies of the board of supervisors and for all day-to-day operations of each department providing service to the township.

"I am directly responsible for preparing the annual budget, administering the personnel system, enforcing the various ordinances of the township, and negotiating contracts.

"The experiences garnered through my educational background have allowed me to provide the leadership and direction to excel in my role as township manager. My roles at the municipal and state levels, augmented by my education, are distinct assets that I now have to offer potential employers."

Lucas L. Martsolf M.P.A
Township Manager