Congratulations to Liz Schulze for being selected as September MPA Student of the Month!
Liz is a part-time MPA student entering her fourth semester. With a background in aging and disability services, Liz applied to the MPA program to blend her professional experience with formal education. She finds inspiration in the coursework and values learning from the diverse experiences, passions, and knowledge of her peers, faculty, and staff. The program motivates her to explore the “Why?” of public systems and aims to graduate as a more competent and confident public servant, with enhanced skills in public policy, program development, implementation, and evolution.
Outside of her MPA studies, Liz works as a Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO) Representative and leads a nonprofit organization contracted with GA DHS to provide this program in North Georgia. The LTCO program, authorized by federal and state law, focuses on protecting, advocating for, and improving the quality of care and life for older adults and people with disabilities in long-term care settings. Liz is proud of the program’s person-centered advocacy, which strives for local accountability and systemic improvements in long-term care.
Originally from New York’s Hudson Valley, Liz holds a degree in Biology with minors in Anthropology and Evolutionary Studies. She worked throughout high school and undergrad as a caregiver for people with developmental disabilities and older adults. Her interest in the aging population deepened during her time as a caregiver in Assisted Living and Nursing Homes, which led her to earn an A.S. in Gerontology. Before moving to Athens eight years ago, she worked as a Medicaid case manager for an Oregon Area Agency on Aging.
Liz lives in Athens with her husband, two spirited children, two dogs, and two cats. She enjoys outdoor adventures, dining at great restaurants, live music, and exploring the saturation point for the ideal number of pets to a happy and healthy home.
