Michael Partain

Pronouns: He/Him
Hometown: Snohomish, Washington
Program Pathway: Part-time
Expected Graduation: 2028

Hello! My name is Michael Partain, and I am a first-year MPA student at the Evans School, completing the program part-time while working full-time in the nonprofit sector. I earned my B.A. in Political Science from the University of Arkansas and have spent the past five years with Big Brothers Big Sisters, where I design and lead programming that expands equitable educational opportunities for young people. My professional experience has strengthened my commitment to public service, and I hope to continue growing my career in nonprofit management or state government. I’m especially passionate about education policies that strengthen communities and ensure everyone has the opportunity to succeed. Outside of work and school, I enjoy cheering for my favorite sports teams (the Packers, Torrent, and Storm), playing video and board games, exploring Seattle, reading, and spending time with my two cats. I look forward to connecting with prospective students who share a passion for public service and community impact.

What has been your favorite part of being a part of the Evans community?

My favorite part of being part of the Evans community has been the support and collaboration from my peers. Even as a part-time student balancing school with full-time work, I’ve felt welcomed and encouraged by classmates, faculty, and staff. I also appreciate the diverse perspectives and experiences that people bring to the program. Hearing how others approach public service has broadened my own perspective and the way I think about community impact.

What surprised you most when you started the MPA program?

I was most surprised by how the curriculum connects to real-world policy and management challenges. My classes provide concepts, frameworks, and tools that I can immediately apply to my current full-time work in the nonprofit sector. I was also surprised by how approachable, supportive, and accommodating the faculty are toward students who are balancing professional responsibilities while in the program.

What advice would you give to someone considering the program? Why did you choose Evans?

My advice for someone considering the program is to be open to learning from the people around you. Evans attracts students from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, and those perspectives truly enrich the experience. Don’t be afraid to ask questions, engage in discussions, and lean on your peers and faculty. I’d also encourage prospective students to think realistically about their schedule and commitments, especially if they plan to work while in the program. The part-time path is very manageable, but being intentional with your time makes a big difference. I chose Evans because of its strong reputation for public service, its flexible program format, and its inclusive community. I wanted a program that would help me grow as a leader in the public sector while allowing me to continue my full-time work. Evans stood out for its core values, and from day one it felt like the right place to build the skills I need to make a meaningful difference.

What has been your favorite class so far, and why?

My favorite class so far has been PubPol 512: Managing Organizational Performance. It’s given me practical management skills grounded in evidence-based practices, and I’ve been able to apply what I’m learning directly to my current work in the nonprofit sector. The course has helped me think more strategically about how organizations operate and has strengthened my ability to be an effective and efficient manager and leader.