Gregory Priest '23 was inspired to pursue his MPA after a friend recommended Marist’s program. The two both held similar positions at different organizations and sought a program that offered more than just a degree; they wanted a comprehensive experience that would advance their career trajectories.

Upon his acceptance into Marist's MPA program, Priest pursued his degree fully online, but with the notion that he could easily switch to in-person and come to campus if he chose. Having been exposed to both learning formats, Priest states he never felt shorted. He, in fact, preferred having the ability to take classes that would work around his schedule, rather than the other way around.

For Priest, it didn’t take long to understand the expectations, learn the general habits necessary for success, and adapt to the relative place in life that school would occupy. Through conditioning and developing a routine, he was able to find balance. It became even more palatable for him when he saw that most, if not all, of his classmates, were enduring the same pressures of life, school, and work. Priest states that “this was all overshadowed by seeing and truly feeling that professors were not just engaged but furthermore cared about student success holistically. I never once felt a teacher was further than an email, Zoom, or phone call away.”

Priest fondly recalls the years spent pursuing his MPA and says he's humbled to be a part of the Marist family. He developed strong relationships with faculty and classmates and credits the program to improving who he is both professionally and personally. “I firmly believe my path with Marist helped me build a strong foundation for the future. You’ll do hard work to be successful, but one of the sweetest rewards for me – and I know many other MPA students – is to show my kids and family my accomplishments proudly.”