Kevin Schaffner

Expected MPA 2017

B.A. Political Science, Eastern Connecticut State University

Kevin Schaffner is originally from Long Beach, California where he joined the United States Coast Guard after graduating high school. While in the Coast Guard Kevin served as an Electronics Technician throughout the United States. His last station before leaving the Coast Guard was at the Coast Guard Academy where he became interested in continuing his education. Kevin decided to pursue his B.A. in Political Science at Eastern Connecticut State University and continue his military service by enlisting in the Connecticut Army National Guard. Also while attending, Kevin interned at Senator Chris Murphy’s Office and the Connecticut Office of Policy and Management. Kevin graduated in May 2015 with an Achievement Award in Political Science. Kevin enjoys snowboarding, ultimate frisbee, and spending time with his fiancée and two cats.

Attending the nationally ranked Masters of Public Administration Program at the University of Connecticut was an easy choice for Kevin. Through friends and MPA graduates, Kevin quickly became aware of the friendly faculty, focused curriculum, and employment rate after graduation. After being accepted into the program, Kevin began looking into the paid internship opportunities offered to both 1st and 2nd year students. After completing an extensive interview process, Kevin became the Communications Specialist for Newington Public Schools. There Kevin actively generates publicity about all the great things happening in the district. Thus far Kevin has written well over 35 articles and press releases. The skills he has learned in the MPA program has allowed him to successfully propose and create a district Instagram to engage high school students in civic society. Kevin is interested in acquiring a certificate in Survey Research because of his belief that public opinion carries significant value in creating policy.

Someday Kevin hopes to work in an organization that aims to support developing countries. Institutions that he plans to apply to after graduation are the UN, IMF, World Bank, and the IDB to name a few. Ideally, Kevin would like to be part of one of the named organizations helping to foster more efficient governance in developing countries. To prospective students, Kevin suggests always being your own self advocate. He says that 99% of the time any notable achievement made by anyone was on their own accord. Kevin recommends continually finding ways to make yourself better and never settle for something you are not completely satisfied with because in the end only you will live with your regrets.