Through cultural immersion and work with Ghana’s Ministry of Education, Elani Dwyer ’27 gained new perspectives on policy, identity, and public service. Studying abroad often challenges students to step outside of their comfort zones and see the world from a different perspective. For Elani Dwyer ’27, a Public Service and Administration major at Villanova University, her…
Faculty Spotlight – Veracelle Vega
Background & Villanova Experience Veracelle Vega serves as an Adjunct Professor at Villanova University and professionally as Chief People Officer for an e-commerce beauty company. Her teaching focuses on public administration, leadership, and human capital management. She is originally from Bath, New York, a small town in the Finger Lakes region. As the daughter of…
Faculty Spotlight – Brian McLaughlin
Background & Villanova Experience Brian J. McLaughlin serves as a Court Executive with the New Jersey Judiciary and as Adjunct Faculty in the Department of Public Administration. His primary areas of teaching and research include organizational management, communication, leadership, collaboration, and technology. A native of Marlton, New Jersey—located about 10 miles outside of Philadelphia—he reflects…
Student Spotlight – Elene Shonia
Background & Villanova Experience Elene Shonia is a first-year Master of Public Administration student at Villanova, focusing on public policy and improving systems to create positive change for communities. She is originally from Georgia, a small country at the intersection of Eastern Europe and Western Asia in the Caucasus region. Known for its diverse landscapes—from…
Student Spotlight – Sofia Ries
Background & Villanova Experience Sofia Ries is in the second semester of her first year in the Master of Public Administration program, where she is also pursuing a Certificate in Nonprofit Management. She is originally from Paoli, Pennsylvania, and lives just a five-minute drive from Valley Forge National Park. Sofia was drawn to Villanova’s MPA…
Leaders' Lounge 