Albany State University Master of Public Administration students enrolled in a program focused on community and economic development participated in a two-day field site visit. In March students observed economic development models in Colquitt, Ga. and Jacksonville, Fla.

Accompanied by Dr. Veronica Adams-Cooper, ASU associate professor of public administration, the group visited “Swamp Gravy,” the official Georgia Folk Life Play in Colquitt.

The group learned about a faith-based community economic development enterprise in Jacksonville called the “Soul Food Bistro” restaurant, a franchise of The Potter’s House International Ministries.

“Exposing students to different community economic development models is important for their training,” said Adams-Cooper. “It was exciting to see our students linking the theory to practice during the field site visit.”

The tour’s purpose is to develop ideas for a new community and economic development initiative as a public service of the MPA Program’s Lois B. Hollis Center for Public Deliberation and Participation.

“We experienced the role of art and culture as an asset-based approach to encourage residents to take pride in their community,” said MPA student, Alfreda Ryles. “The murals on the buildings and the “Swamp Gravy” production demonstrate that we all have a story to tell.”

Ericka Jackson, MPA candidate and mentor for the current CED cohort, shared, “The Bistro was amazing. You could taste the love in the food and feel the passion for the community in the atmosphere.”

MPA Program Chair, Dr. Peter A. Ngwafu, will announce the new initiative during the program’s celebration of Public Service Recognition Week held nationwide May 4 –10.

For more information, contact the ASU Office of University Communications at 229-430-4671.