This spotlight is part of a special series dedicated to the four new graduating cohorts of the Class of 2025 — the Bachelor of Arts in Politics and Governance, the Bachelor of Science in Nursing, the Master of Arts in International Relations and Diplomacy, and the Master of Public Affairs — each of which reflects the mission of the American University of Armenia (AUA) to cultivate excellence, impact, and innovation across diverse fields.
The inaugural cohort of the Master of Public Affairs (MPA) program at the American University of Armenia’s (AUA) College of Humanities and Social Sciences embodies the spirit of leadership, service, and transformation. Over the course of an intensive 1.5-year journey of personal and professional growth, students have developed into thoughtful, ethical, and impact-driven professionals ready to tackle the complex challenges facing Armenia and the broader region.
During their time in the program, MPA students engaged deeply with both theory and practice, strengthening their research skills, exploring global policy frameworks, and learning how to navigate the ethical dimensions of public service. They discovered the value of primary data, the importance of inclusive governance, and the responsibilities that come with making decisions that affect communities, thus becoming not only better professionals but also more conscious citizens.
“Throughout their academic journey, our students, along with their professors, have reflected on what it means to be a ‘good’ public servant — someone who must constantly balance rational, technical policymaking with countless ethical concerns,” remarked Dr. Uroš Prokić, MPA program chair, adding, “The professional contacts and personal bonds our students have built during the program have forged a resilient, purpose-driven community of changemakers and future leaders. I have no doubt that they will play a vital role in strengthening public service and enhancing state capacity in Armenia for years to come.”
Reflecting on her experience teaching students in the MPA program, visiting lecturer Aino Alaverdyan shared, “From these students, I have learned the richness of the Armenian people and their curious way of thinking about the world, their deep empathy for others, especially the most vulnerable in society, their critique of ineffective public administrative rigidity and hunger for sustainable social innovations. They have shown me new ways of building inclusive, equitable, accountable and learning organizations and systems not simply by copying foreign examples but creating practices rooted in evidence and local wisdom. In the spirit of public service, they remind me of Finland’s most well-known women writer and social activist Minna Canth (1844-1897) who stated: ‘Anything but a dry, half-dead life!’ This inaugural cohort calls us to bring public values at the center of the public service and leadership, fostering openness, servanthood, inter-sectoral collaboration and growth mindset into everything we do.”
The inaugural MPA cohort leaves AUA not only with a degree but with the confidence, knowledge, and ethical grounding to lead in public affairs. Whether working in the public or private sector, they are well poised to help shape a more just, transparent, and effective future for our country and the region.
Graduate in Focus: Arpie Petrossian (MPA ’25)
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values.