Learning Public Policy from a Practitioner

Students pursuing careers in public administration and public policy want more than textbooks. They want to understand how public decisions are made, how communities solve complex challenges, and how leaders transform ideas into meaningful action.

At University of the Cumberlands, students gain that perspective by learning from faculty who are actively shaping the industries they teach.

As an adjunct business instructor, Dr. Megan Bessey brings current experience in community development and public policy into every class, helping students understand not only the theory behind public administration but also how those concepts influence businesses, neighborhoods, and communities every day.

"Students benefit when faculty and staff stay actively engaged in their communities," she explained. 

Why Learn Public Policy from a Working Professional?

Outside the classroom, Bessey serves as Community Development Manager for Planning and Development Services of Kenton County, Kentucky. In that role, she collaborates with public agencies, private businesses, real estate developers, and community organizations to advance strategic development initiatives that strengthen the regional economy and improve residents' quality of life.

Every day, she works at the intersection of public policy, economic development, and community leadership. Those experiences become valuable teaching tools in courses such as Public Enterprise Systems and Fundamentals of Public Administration.

Rather than relying solely on case studies or historical examples, Bessey frequently incorporates current policy discussions and real-world decision-making into classroom conversations, helping students see how public administration functions beyond the textbook.

"I make a point of incorporating real-world experience into my teaching whenever possible, which helps connect course concepts to practical application," she said.

"As long as students understand the context, these experiences make the material more meaningful and relevant. For example, I often draw on current work in public policy and regional development to illustrate how decisions made in real time directly affect communities."

For students considering careers in local government, nonprofit leadership, public administration, or community development, these firsthand examples provide a clearer understanding of how policies are created, implemented, and evaluated.

How Public Policy Shapes Communities

Bessey's professional leadership recently expanded through her appointment to the Public Policy Committee for the Kentucky Association for Economic Development (KAED). The committee reviews legislation, develops policy and ordinance recommendations, and helps shape economic development initiatives that influence communities across Kentucky.

"It is meaningful to me because it provides an opportunity to make a tangible impact on our local economy by shaping policies that support growth and long-term regional competitiveness."

That experience gives Bessey’s students an insider’s perspective on how public policy evolves from identifying community challenges to collaborating with stakeholders and developing practical solutions.

What Does Leadership Through Service Look Like?

Although economic development is a major focus of her career, Bessey believes strong communities are built through collaboration across many sectors.

"I am drawn to community involvement and regional development because strong communities depend on safety, stability, and opportunity."

That philosophy extends beyond her professional responsibilities. Bessey volunteers with the Center for Violence Prevention, supporting healing and prevention efforts, and serves on the Northern Kentucky Regional Trails Plan Steering Committee, helping expand regional trail systems that improve accessibility, recreation, and quality of life.

"My work has shown me that community development is not only about economic growth, but also about creating environments where people feel secure, supported, and connected to essential resources and services. I value efforts that strengthen public systems, encourage collaboration, and improve overall quality of life."

Together, these experiences reflect the broader perspective Bessey brings to both her work and her classroom: community development is about more than economic growth. It also means helping create places where people feel safe, connected, and supported.

How Does University of the Cumberlands Prepare Future Public Leaders?

Whether she is guiding community development initiatives, helping shape public policy, or mentoring future public servants, Bessey hopes students recognize that leadership begins with engagement.

"I hope students take away the understanding that they can be involved too. Seeing professionals engaged in civic and community work can help them recognize that public service is accessible, practical, and impactful at any stage of their careers."

At University of the Cumberlands, students learn from faculty whose expertise extends far beyond the classroom. By bringing current professional experience into lessons, Bessey helps students build the knowledge, confidence, and practical perspective needed to lead in public administration, community development, and public service.

For students preparing to make a difference in their communities, learning from professionals actively shaping public policy provides a clearer vision of the leadership opportunities waiting beyond graduation.

More About Business Programs at Cumberlands

University of the Cumberlands offers graduate business programs designed to help students strengthen their leadership, management, and decision-making skills while connecting what they learn to real-world challenges.

Whether you’re interested in public administration, business leadership, or advancing your career, Cumberlands provides flexible graduate education taught by faculty who bring academic knowledge and professional experience into the classroom.

Explore graduate business programs at University of the Cumberlands to find a program that aligns with your goals.