Best of State Names SUU Graduate Best Mayor in Utah
Published: May 15, 2020 | Author: Savannah Byers | Read Time: 2 minutes
Recent Southern Utah University graduate Jenney Rees is honored to be named Best of State in the mayor category. Mayor Rees graduated from SUU with her Master of Public Administration in the spring of 2020. She has been serving as mayor for the Cedar Hills community since January of 2018 and served on the City Council for six years before her election.
“I am honored to have been chosen as Best of State in the mayor category,” said Mayor Rees. “While I am proud of the things I have accomplished as mayor, I also recognize that success in city government only comes from having a great team to work with. I am fortunate to work with other elected officials and city staff who all have a strong desire to serve the residents of Cedar Hills and make it a wonderful community.”
As mayor, Rees has focused on communication and transparency between the government and the community. Because of the nature and content of SUU’s MPA courses, she has been able to directly apply her assignments to her work as an elected official.
“I don't think it's a stretch to say that our MPA alumni are world-changers,” said Dr. Angela Pool-Funai, director of the MPA program. “They are making a difference in their local communities, throughout our state, and beyond. I'm thrilled to see Mayor Rees receiving the accolades she deserves. She's a terrific role model for our MPA program.”
“Deciding to return to school to pursue an MPA was one of the best decisions I’ve made and SUU was the perfect choice,” said Mayor Rees. “The instructors have real-world experience so the discussions and assignments were always pertinent and immediately useful in the workplace.”
SUU’s MPA program provides an intellectual, collaborative and engaging learning environment where practical and theoretical concepts of public administration are presented within the historical, political, social, cultural, and economic contexts. Students learn to act as facilitators in defining and pursuing the public interest. Learn more about SUU’s affordable Master of Public Administration program.
Tags: College of Humanities and Social Sciences Public Administration