Robert H. Reyna, a recent USC Master of Public Administration Online graduate, serves as the Community Development Director for Bexar County. He directs cross-sector efforts to expand housing options, stimulate economic activity, and deliver high-impact social programs.
Q: What were the motivating factors for you to further your education? Did something change in your career, community development, or the public sector?
A: As my responsibilities expanded and the complexity of public initiatives grew, I saw the need to deepen my expertise in policy analysis, public finance, and strategic planning. Pursuing this degree allows me to sharpen the skills required to lead high-impact programs and prepares me for future opportunities in public service or academia.
Q: How did you first hear about the program, and what drove you to pick USC’s Master of Public Administration program online over other graduate programs?
A: The Master of Public Administration at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy is one of the most prestigious programs in the country. Its academic rigor, emphasis on applied learning, and commitment to public service made it a compelling choice. The online format provided the flexibility to continue working full time while engaging in a program that directly supports the demands of public sector leadership.
Q: What were your outcome goals and aspirations for this program?
A: My goal is to strengthen my ability to lead initiatives that generate measurable, long-term impact. The program is refining how I approach cross-sector collaboration, policy development, and fiscal accountability. Over time, I hope to continue advancing public service while contributing in academic settings to help prepare the next generation of public leaders.
Q: Can you tell us about your experience with the flexibility of online learning and impact of the in-person residencies?
A: The program is thoughtfully structured for professionals managing demanding roles. The online coursework is rigorous and flexible, and the live sessions foster meaningful engagement. I’ve also attended in-person residencies, which provided valuable opportunities to connect with faculty and peers, collaborate on real-world challenges, and deepen the learning experience beyond the virtual classroom.
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Find Out MoreQ: How did you manage the balance between school, work, and life? What is your work life balance advice?
A: Balancing a full-time role with graduate studies requires structure and consistency. I schedule dedicated time each week for coursework and make it a priority to maintain wellness and family time. This routine helps me remain focused and effective in all areas.
Q: How was your experience with your professors?
A: The faculty at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy are exceptional. They bring a strong combination of academic insight and real-world experience and are committed to student success. Their mentorship and feedback have elevated how I think about leadership, governance, and evidence-based decision-making.
Q: How was your experience with your fellow students?
A: The cohort is composed of accomplished professionals from across the public, nonprofit, and private sectors. The diversity of experience enhances discussions and leads to rich, practical collaboration. The relationships I’ve built throughout the program have expanded my professional network and shaped how I approach problem-solving and leadership.
Q: Is there a project you completed in the program that you are particularly proud of? How do you think it helped prepare you for the future?
A: [One project that stands out to me was] shaping federal budgetary outcomes. In collaboration with the RAND Corporation, our team is employing natural language processing and classification techniques to analyze legislative texts from the 117th through 119th Congresses. By identifying and quantifying ideological signals embedded in congressional discourse, the project offers insights into how partisan framing and rhetorical patterns correlate with appropriations, authorizations, and fiscal outcomes. This experience has deepened my capacity for policy analysis through a nonpartisan, data-driven framework—skills that are critical for advanced public administration and future academic research.
Q: What are transferable skills that you will carry with you in your career? Have you already started applying them to your strategic leadership practices?
A: The program has enhanced how I approach leadership, resource allocation, and long-term strategic planning. I’ve already applied insights from the coursework to improve how we evaluate programs, prioritize funding, and collaborate with stakeholders across sectors. These tools are enhancing my current work and positioning me to lead with greater clarity, strategy, and impact.
