A Student-Alumni Dialogue
Founded in 1968 the School of Urban and Public Affairs (SUPA), officially became the H. John Heinz III School of Public Policy and Management in 1992.
Jaylin Thomas, current master’s student of Public Policy and Management, interviews Ken Fields (SUPA‘72) to discuss the changes and growth the Heinz School has undergone over the years.
Jaylin: Why did you decide to obtain your master’s degree from SUPA?
Ken: SUPA was the only school that combined public policy and management with the quantitative and or analytical approach from the private sector and (applied it) to the public sector. This was important for me since I was an engineer by training.
Jaylin: What was it like to be a student when the school was first formed?
Ken: We were all very aware that what how well we did would set the tone for the future. I felt very honored to be in the first class.
Jaylin: What were the hot topics when you were on campus?
Ken: The Vietnam War, civil rights, and, in Pittsburgh, employer discrimination and minority participation. Considering the school was designed specifically to involve academia in urban issues, we were looking at the role SUPA would play. My class was older with more work experience and not afraid to have those conversations.
Jaylin: How has the school changed since you were here?
Ken: The biggest change is the variety of degrees now offered. Back then, you were either getting an M.S. or a Ph.D. Today a student can choose from ten degrees, some with a variety of options such as distance vs. on-site delivery and joint and collaborative programs. The emphasis on information technology was always important, but it has increased dramatically. Heinz has always encouraged a balance in understanding the role of technology, whether it's in the public or private sector. But you still have to understand the context of government and the complexity of being a public-sector manager who must deal with it.
Jaylin: What was your first job when you graduated?
Ken: My first job was staff aide to the Mayor Pete Flaherty of Pittsburgh in 1972. When he left in 1977 to join the Carter administration, I continued to work for Mayor Richard Caliguiri. Working for the city of Pittsburgh, I gained an understanding of the pressures elected officials undergo.
Jaylin: How did SUPA influence your career?
Ken: Quantitative skills made the program and the student unique. I was hired because employers knew that, as a student from SUPA, I had those skills.
Jaylin: What advice would you give a current Heinz student?
Ken: Your experience at Heinz will probably be one of the toughest things you’ll ever do. If you can make it through the Heinz School, it will prepare you for a career of your choice.
Related Links:
History of the Heinz School
Academics at the Heinz School
Heinz School’s Master of Science in Public Policy and Management (MSPPM)
MSPPM Joint Degree Offerings
