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Profiles of Current Students and Alumni

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Brad Whitmore

Program of Study:

Master of Public Administration

Year of Graduation:

2006

Hometown:

Kingston, NY

Previous Education (degree and institution):

• AAS -Associate in Applied Science, Architecture-SUNY Delhi, College of Technology
• BA, Art Studio-Oneonta State College

Tell us about your work history before Marist, including years of experience, industry, companies, and positions.

After college, I was employed by the architect firm, Liebmen-Hurwitz Architect and Associates, as a computer aided design (C.A.D.) operator.  In my position, I transitioned the firm from pencil drawings to computer-generated drawings.  After that, I moved to the west coast and began a career in graphic design.  With the failing economy in the early 2000's and deciding San Francisco was not for me, I moved back home shortly after and began my non-profit career.  I worked at the Culinary Institute of America in student affairs before accepting a job at Marist.  While at Marist, I continued to work in student affairs as a Resident Director. I have worked in higher education and non-profit for eight years.

Current Employer and Position:

Bard College, Assistant Director of the Annual Fund

Why did you choose Marist's school of management for your graduate degree?

I chose Marist because of the prestige of the school and the quality of education.  Marist has always been in the forefront of education and technology.  It also has highly regarded faculty.  You could not get that anywhere besides Marist.  The student/faculty ratio is small and you form a relationship with the professors as well as your classmate because of the small class size.  Marist has a variety of classes that you can take to accommodate any schedule.  Its very easy to work while taking classes.

Tell us about a project or course that was particularly meaningfully to your professional development.

Marist's MPA program suited me so well because it touched on many different aspects of the public sector.  When looking at other schools, they required you to choose a concentration.  At Marist, you learn all the different area of public administration, including public budgeting, strategic planning, economics, law, information technology and public policy.  It gives you a wealth of knowledge you can apply to your career.

How has a degree from Marist enhanced your career?

Of course, when I graduated from Marist, I was hired directly into my current position.  I now work in Development at Bard College as the Assistant Director of the Annual Fund.  In my position, I wear many hats.  I'm a fundraiser, manager, work with foundations and the government agencies for grants, as well as work within the budgets of the Annual Fund.

Tell us about your internship experience.

My internship was waived because I had been working in the non-profit sector.