Master of Public Administration (MPA)
Trippe Ross earned his Bachelor of Social Work degree from the University of Georgia in 2012. Having completed a successful internship with the Athens Community Council on Aging (ACCA) in his senior year, he was hired as a full-time employee upon graduation. For the next 5 years, Trippe served in a variety of roles, directing programs and services for older adults, adults with disabilities, and their families. During his time with ACCA, Trippe witnessed how policy at the local, state, and national level affected his clients and the non-profit sector. This sparked his interest in advocating for effective policy that addresses the needs of older adults and differently abled individuals. He also developed an interest in studying how the structure and culture of organizations contribute to operational success and stability. Seeking to explore this in the higher education sector, Trippe joined the Center for the Ecology of Infectious Diseases within UGA’s Odum School of Ecology in 2017. Here, Trippe coordinates educational and training activities for faculty and student researchers engaged in studies on the pressing problems posed by ecology and infectious diseases. Trippe looks forward to applying the skills he develops through the MPA program to his work with this growing research center.