Bonner Alum, Tyler Seville’s story was recently highlighted by Fels Institute of Government, University of Pennsylvania (one of the Bonner graduate school partners). He attended Rutgers University and attained his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Philosophy and then pursued his Executive Master of Public Administration at Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania.
During his interview he stated, “I was looking to broaden my horizons.” After several years working in education policy and workforce development at a state trade association in New Jersey, Tyler wanted to pivot into the healthcare industry. With the Fels Executive Master of Public Administration program, Tyler increased his knowledge of the federal government and health policy, developed his analytical skills, and expanded his professional network, while continuing his passion for public service.
Searching for the right graduate school, several key factors went into Tyler’s decision. “A program that allowed me to work while I was learning was a critical component,” he shares. While other regional schools offered part-time or executive MPAs, Fels promised a richer experience in domestic policy, applied learning, and a broad network of graduates. The flexibility of degree electives at Fels also offered Tyler the opportunity to tap into Penn’s world-class healthcare programs. And recommendations for the Executive MPA program by several respected colleagues further encouraged Tyler to apply to Fels. Finally, as an alumnus of the national service program AmeriCorps, Tyler was eligible for financial aid through a Fels admissions partner scholarship.
Tyler started the program in fall 2016, attending synchronous online sessions during the work week and commuting from South Jersey to Philadelphia for the monthly in-person Executive Weekends.
“I wanted to have a richer experience with a cohort of professionals, and Fels provided that.”
Meeting his cohort made the education experience from the classroom feel tangible and real. “Being in the executive program, we were all working professionals, which meant we were all able to bring our professional backgrounds into the classroom, adding additional color to our lessons,” Tyler says. Some classmates were local, working for state government or the City of Philadelphia. Others commuted from federal and nonprofit jobs in Washington, DC. At least one member of the cohort flew in every month from the West Coast. “Hearing all of their different perspectives—whether government, industry, or nonprofit perspectives—really gave me a broader appreciation on the complexity of policy making,” he says. “I wanted to have a richer experience with a cohort of professionals, and Fels provided that.”
As he’s moved forward in his health policy career, Tyler has continued to contribute to the Fels community. One way was by expanding the scholarship partnerships to include the Bonner Foundation. As an undergraduate, Tyler was a Bonner Program scholar, while a part of AmeriCorps, committing to community service while pursuing his undergraduate education. From his own experience, he knew Bonner undergraduate scholars were civically minded and service oriented. “I thought a partnership between Fels and Bonner would be a great one. The service mindset that both programs had to offer made sense for a partnership and a great way for students to further their academic and professional careers,” he says. He pitched the idea to the administration and the partnership began in fall 2020.
Tyler’s service mindset also brings him back to campus for networking events and keeps him engaged as a mentor with the Fels career services program. “Being able to mentor students is always something that I have an interest in, sharing my perspective on how things work in the real world or speaking with students interested in getting more knowledgeable around the health policy side or policymaking in general,” he says. “I’m always willing to lend a hand because others have helped me along the way.”
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Learn more about the Bonner Graduate School Partnership
The Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania offers two degree pathways to accommodate different career stages and professional commitments:
The Master of Public Administration (MPA) is a comprehensive one-year program (9 courses, 9 c.u.) that includes a capstone project and summer internship. It's designed for early career professionals and individuals looking to pivot into public administration or nonprofit sectors.
The Executive Master of Public Administration (Executive MPA) is a 10-course, 10 c.u. program with a low-residency hybrid format. This enables working professionals to complete an Ivy League degree in less than two years while continuing to work full time.
Bonner Benefits are offered to current Bonner Scholars and Leaders, Bonner alumni and current Bonner staff. Through this partnership Fels Institute guarantees an application fee waiver for all and a scholarship of at least $15,000 for accepted students. To learn more about the partnership click here.