Kelly Chandler of Gladstone, Mich., has been named the Northern Michigan University Political Science and Public Administration Department 2020-21 outstanding graduating graduate student. On May 1, she will earn a master's in public administration (MPA) degree.
Chandler is a first-generation graduate student who holds an undergraduate degree in criminal justice and social services. After graduating from NMU in 2012, she served as an AmeriCorps NCCC member, conducting more than 2,000 hours of disaster relief and community service in the southwest region of the United States.
After 10 years of working in the child welfare and criminal justice system, she transitioned into her current role as the program director of the Delta Regional Child Advocacy Center in 2020.
“I aspire to utilize my professional and educational experiences to build upon existing systems to ensure children and families in the Upper Peninsula receive quality services by trauma-informed professionals dedicated to assisting victims of crime on their journey to healing,” said Chandler.
NMU's virtual commencement will be held at 10 a.m. EST Saturday, May 1. Bryan Terrell Clark, a Broadway performer who played George Washington in Hamilton, will be the keynote speaker. Learn more about commenceme