Marla Robertson, born and raised in Conway, SC, just minutes from the scenic Myrtle Beach, has dedicated her career to making an impact in higher education and public administration. A proud alumna of the College of Charleston, Marla’s journey began when she arrived on campus right after high school, majoring in English. During her undergraduate years, she not only excelled academically but also worked in the Academic Advising and Planning office for three of her four years. This early exposure to academic administration would set the stage for a career dedicated to student success and institutional support.
After earning her degree, Marla transitioned into a full-time role at the College of Charleston in January 2007 as an administrative assistant. Since then, she has worn many hats, working in Academic Affairs, Student Affairs, Business Affairs, and ultimately finding her way back to Academic Affairs, where her passion for higher education continues to flourish.
During her time in the Budget and Payroll Office, Marla decided to take a significant step toward expanding her knowledge and career prospects by pursuing a master’s degree in Public Administration. This decision would not only enhance her skill set but also lead her to a pivotal role within the very program she had just graduated from. In 2019, Marla became the Program Coordinator for the MPA program, a role that she describes as both fulfilling and dynamic.
Her responsibilities encompass a wide array of duties. She is instrumental in recruitment, application processing, and handling key administrative tasks like budget management and coursework coordination. She also plays a vital role in overseeing departmental programming, including the Lunch & Learn series, professional development opportunities, and community-centered events such as the Summer Enrichment Programs. In addition, Marla manages the graduate assistantship and internship programs while working closely with the Master of Public Administration Student Association (MPASA). As the first point of contact for prospective students, agencies, and organizations, Marla is at the heart of the program’s community engagement efforts.
Marla takes pride in being part of a program that stands out in several key areas:
- Offering unique experiential learning opportunities in nonprofit work, local government, urban and regional planning, and arts and cultural management.
- Providing a joint degree option with the Environmental and Sustainability Studies (EVSS) program, allowing students to earn two graduate degrees in just three years.
- Combining public administration researchers and practitioners who not only teach but also create experiential learning pathways for students.
Graduates of the program are well-prepared for the complexities of modern public service, equipped to address real-world problems, and frequently recruited for employment before completing their studies.
The MPA program, under Marla’s coordination, is involved in over 10 ongoing projects. Some key initiatives include:
- Partnering with the City of Charleston’s Planning Department to preserve the Gullah Geechee communities’ historical and cultural heritage.
- Collaborating with the Sustainability Institute to assist underserved communities in the Charleston area with weatherizing homes and creating flood mitigation plans.
- Supporting the Charleston Chamber of Commerce with data analysis for their Minority Business Accelerator and Talent Pipeline Management programs.
- Working alongside the Riley Center’s Riley Mayor Design Fellowship to engage graduate students in research projects supporting the growth and development of South Carolina’s cities.
In addition to academic and professional development, the MPA program offers a variety of socially oriented events through MPASA, as well as regular Lunch and Learn sessions that highlight the diversity of the public administration field.
Marla emphasizes that students who secure assistantships in the program gain invaluable experience working directly with local municipalities, non-profit organizations, and community-based agencies. The result? Graduates who are well-positioned for leadership roles in local government, federal contracting, public service, and nonprofit management, with many going on to make significant impacts in South Carolina and beyond.
For those considering a career in public administration, Marla shares this essential advice: “Be clear about your own value system, and seek out organizations that align with it. Public service roles are abundant, but the key is understanding the change you want to make in the world and finding ways to be part of that change.”
Through her leadership, Marla Robertson ensures that the MPA program at the College of Charleston not only equips its students with academic knowledge but also fosters a sense of belonging and community, both on campus and within the broader Charleston area. Her dedication to public service and community engagement continues to shape the program’s success and its positive impact on society.
Join Marla and the MPA program in this meaningful and essential work toward creating a better, more equitable world.
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