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About Us

LMU Master of Public Administration (MPA) - About Us

The Master of Public Administration program at Lincoln Memorial University began in the Fall 2015 semester. The LMU MPA program was originally housed in the Duncan School of Law building in Knoxville, Tennessee. Starting in the Summer 2020 semester, the program went fully online to better reach students, especially in the midst of the COVID outbreak. The LMU MPA program is dedicated to providing a unique learning experience characterized by personal attention to help our students gain knowledge and achieve fulfillment in their area of interest.

 Coming in Fall 2023: MPA/Master of Science in Criminal Justice Dual Degree

Apply Now to the LMU MPA Program!

 

Current and Former Student Profiles

 

photo of Tommy Doles

Tommy Doles

Class of 2022

Tommy Doles graduated from the LMU MPA program in December 2022. Originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, Tommy attended Northwestern University where he studied Political Science (B.S.) and Business Management (M.S.) and competed as a student-athlete. After one year playing professional football (you can learn more in his book, “Gridiron Redemption”), Tommy joined the US Army Reserve where he serves as a Civil Affairs Specialist and utilizes knowledge of public administration to support partner nations and advance US strategic interests. As a civilian, Tommy works as the assistant athletic director at Lincoln Memorial University and serves as a volunteer firefighter in Claiborne County. Through support from the LMU MPA program, Tommy presented research on the role of local government in countering human trafficking at the Southeastern Conference for Public Administration (SECoPA) 2022 Fall Conference.

 

Kevin Watts

Kevin Watts
Class of 2021


Kevin Watts is a current student of LMU's Master of Public Administration program, having enrolled during the Fall 2020 semester. He was born and raised in Pineville, Kentucky and graduated from LMU with his undergraduate degree in Communication Arts in 2008. After graduating, Kevin moved to Richmond, Kentucky and has called it home ever since. Kevin is passionate about nonprofit work and has volunteered his time with several nonprofit organizations in central Kentucky. For several years he has worked with a company that provides community living supports to individuals who have developmental disabilities. Kevin enjoys traveling and meeting new people who share his joy for creativity and technology. He is an advocate for the arts and counts film critique and photography among his hobbies. On top of studying, working, and being a dad, Kevin is skilled in web development and consults with clients across the country to build websites for their businesses.


Ryan Hughes
T. Ryan Hughes
Class of 2020


Ryan Hughes graduated from LMU's Master of Public Administration program in May 2020. He is originally from Athens, Tennessee and currently resides in Knoxville, Tennessee. Ryan currently serves as the Executive Director of two statewide nonprofit organizations, the Boys & Girls Clubs in Tennessee and the Tennessee Alliance of Boys & Girls Clubs. These two organizations help support 105 local Club sites from Bristol to Memphis through financial support and advocacy. In 2018, Ryan was selected as the National Alliance Professional of the Year during the Boys & Girls Clubs of America's National Conference in San Diego, CA. He was recently selected to the Leadership Tennessee Class VIII a group of thought leaders from across Tennessee. He also currently serves on the Tennessee Afterschool Network's Committee and the Tennessee Department of Education's Family Engagement Support Council. Prior to working in the nonprofit industry Ryan had the privilege of being able to serve his home state while working for a former United States Senator, former United States Congressman and former Governor of Tennessee. Ryan received a B.S. from East Tennessee State University, a Certificate in Management (Mini MBA) from Belmont University Center for Executive Education and graduated from Tennessee State Government's LEAD Tennessee program. Ryan is married to Sara and together they have three children. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, camping, outdoor concerts, traveling, and golf.

 

Beth Farrow
Beth Farrow
Class of 2019


Beth Farrow graduated from LMU's Master of Public Administration program in December 2019. She is originally from Rocky Top and currently resides there. Beth currently serves in the role of Assistant Director of Development at the McNabb Center in Knoxville. The Center serves individuals throughout East Tennessee facing mental health, substance use and social issues. Beth's role is to raise money through events and campaigns to support existing programs the McNabb Center offers and assist with funding the growth of additional services. Beth is passionate about the well-being of those in our communities and finding opportunities to bridge the gap to provide the highest level of care for those with the largest needs and fewest resources. Outside of work, Beth enjoys exercising, being outdoors, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and entertaining friends.


Brendan Kelley (MPA)

Brendan Kelley
Class of 2019
Brendan Kelley graduated from the LMU Master of Public Administration program in May 2019. Originally from Oneonta, New York, Brendan is currently living in St. Johns, Michigan where he serves as the Executive Director of the Gratiot Area Chamber of Commerce. In his position, Brendan is developing educational and networking programs to provide more opportunity for COC members to discover value in their membership. These programs include the re-introduction of Business After Hours events, the development of the Gratiot Young Professionals Network and their networking and leadership offerings, the introduction of Lunch and Learn opportunities, and the connection of members to needed educational resources. Brendan's policy interests include infrastructure restoration and business development. Outside of the office, Brendan enjoys running, minor league baseball, and he served two years as an AmeriCorps VISTA in Montana.


Jessica Whitmill
Jessica Whitmill
Class of 2018
Jessica Whitmill graduated from the LMU Master of Public Administration program in May 2018. A native of Morristown, Jessica currently resides in Nashville where she serves as the Policy and Outreach Manager for Tennesseans for Student Success, a nonprofit organization that does education advocacy and policy work around college and career readiness. Jessica is also a registered lobbyist and works with members of the Tennessee General Assembly on key issues surrounding student achievement. Her dream job would be to work for a national policy organization or foundation that works with education and economic development. In her spare time, Jessica is a member of Hamiltunes Nashville, which has a special contract with the creators of Hamilton to produce sing-a-long stage concerts of the show!


Forrest Barnwell-Hagemeyer
Forrest Barnwell-Hagemeyer
Class of 2018
Forrest Barnwell-Hagemeyer graduated from LMU's Master of Public Administration program in May 2018. A 9th-generation East Tennessean from Oak Ridge, he currently resides in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Forrest currently works as a consultant, working on political campaigns, public policy, advocacy, and public affairs. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Tennessee, and has worked with nonprofit organizations, public policy think tanks, and governmental agencies in the past. He is married to Holli and they enjoy spending time with their dog, Neyland, and the eternal heartbreak of being a Braves and Vols fans.

 

Janna Federer
Janna Federer-Demski
Class of 2017


Janna Federer-Demski graduated from the LMU Master of Public Administration program in December 2017. Originally from Maryville, Janna currently lives in Hendersonville, Tennessee where she works remotely as the Grants Manager for the Global Sanctuary for Elephants. In her position, she aids in development through grant writing and fundraising, as well as facilitates social media based communication to bring captive elephants to Elephant Sanctuary Brazil, located in Chapada dos Guimarães. Professionally, Janna is passionate about animal welfare and advocating for her community, using social media as a tool to promote communication and positive change. Outside of work, you can find her enjoying the outdoors and traveling with her dog and husband, fostering kittens, or watching hockey.