Max Valadez -

Master of Public Administration (MPA)

Nicholas “Max” Valadez is a first-year Masters of Public Administration student in the Department of Public Administration & Policy. He is also working as a graduate research assistant under the direction of Dr. Inkyu Kang, where he assists in secondary data collection on topics related to law enforcement/policing and citizen-state interactions. Max graduated Summa Cum Laude from Texas A&M University in 2022 with a B.S. in Agricultural Leadership & Development and a graduate certificate in public management from the Bush School of Government and Public Service. This past summer, Max interned with the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture (majority office) where he gained a firsthand understanding of federal policy-making process as well as assisted in administrative committee work. Max served in multiple student-leadership positions during his undergraduate career, most notably as the VP of Leadership for Texas A&M’s College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Student Council and as the undergraduate representative for A&M’s College of Ag. & Life Sciences Inclusive Excellence Committee. Max has an internal desire to be of service to his fellow man as an aspiring public servant. His policy interests include the role of positive leadership and ethics in public administration, rural broadband and prosperity, and nutrition assistance programs.

Education

B.S. | Texas A&M University | 2022 | Agricultural Leadership & Development, Minor in Youth Development

Masters | University of Georgia | Expected Graduation May 2024 | Public Administration

More About

Educational Experiences

My undergraduate degree focused on leadership theory, skills, and application to real world organizations and roles. Additionally, ethics and ethical leadership were explored in depth as well as how leaders and organizations can successfully create change in the world. Gaining a minor in youth development gave me the opportunity to learn the differences between adult learners and adolescent learning. Particularly, learning about effective methods of leading and training adult learners will prove valuable in my future career. During my senior year of undergraduate, I obtained a graduate certificate in public management in which I explored classes such as public budgeting and ethics & public policy. Armed with a degree in leadership and an interest in making government more ethically sound and better led, I am excited to continue my education at the University of Georgia.

Career Goals

I am eager to learn more about opportunities in which I can best serve the public sector with my background in leadership/ethics as well as policy from my time on Capitol Hill. My goal is to serve either directly as a public servant or in a policy position working on issues important to me. Ultimately, I have a desire to feel as if I am making a difference in my community and nation on the greatest issues of our time. My Catholic faith drives me to pursue justice and care for the most vulnerable in our communities, and I see public service as an ideal career-field to aid me in fulfilling this desire to serve. Upon completion of my master’s program, I hope to be working either in local government directly in a position of work or on policy at the local or federal level related to my research interests.

Relevant Work Experience

Committee Intern- U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture (Majority), Community Assistant- Park West Apartments in College Station, Texas. , Volunteer with Powered by People (Texas-based civic engagement organization).

Of Note

Graduated Summa Cum Laude- Texas A&M University, Texas A&M College of Agriculture & Life Sciences Senior Merit Award, Undergraduate Dean’s List, Texas A&M Dr. Joe D. Townsend ’67 Leadership Fellow

Areas of Expertise

Local Government, Public Management/Organization Theory, Generalist

Research Interests

Rural Development, Rural Broadband, Immigration Reform, Nutrition Assistance Programs, Leadership in Public Service, Ethics, Renewable Energy Sources