Congratulations to Lucas Smith, who has been selected as MPA Student of the Month for March!

Lucas is a second year MPA student with a specialization in public policy. He currently works for the Oconee County Finance Department, facilitating the integration of key performance indicators to departmental operations. Lucas recently spent the summer in the Arizona Governor’s Office of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, working on the Broadband Breakthrough Project. This experience allowed him the opportunity to assist in the development of state broadband policy, helping to expand internet accessibility in rural communities across Arizona. Interested in enhancing government accountability through the incorporation of data and stakeholder input, Lucas draws upon his experience working for both state and local governments.

Prior to joining the MPA program, Lucas was a student at UGA where he graduated with degrees in Geography and International Affairs. Outside of school, Lucas previously served as the Vice President of UGA Building Tomorrow, where he managed community outreach. He currently serves on the executive board of Georgia Students for Public Administration. In his spare time, you can find Lucas traveling, spending time with his friends, or watching Georgia football.