Ammishaddai Grand-Jean

Expected graduation (bachelor’s and master’s):

May 2020

Degree objectives:

Political Science A.B, Economics A.B., Master’s in Public Administration, emphasis in public policy

I heard about the Double Dawgs program through...

During my first year at UGA, I heard about the option for students to earn their master’s and bachelor’s in five years through the Honors Program. I talked to several students and they too longed for the ability to pursue a double degree in five years. As a result, through Student Government Association, my peers and I began to express our concerns to various campus administrators. They were very receptive and helpful and surprised us when they said that the Double Dawgs program was already in development and would be implemented during our time at UGA. Today I am thankful for their hard work, persistence and willingness to listen to students.

I chose my dual-degree program because...

Since the 2008 recession, I have had a deep desire to work on economic policy that will positively impact lower-income communities and cities. I would like to gain a deeper understanding of policy and how to create, implement and evaluate public policy that affects a vast number of people. Besides UGA being top-ranked and more affordable, I believe that the Master of Public Administration program at UGA will aid me in becoming more effective and strategic in the creation and implementation of public policy that can better the communities and cities that need it the most.

My favorite professor is...

There are so many great and influential professors at UGA. They are intelligent, driven, patient and passionate about the subject and material that they teach. It takes great skill to be a professor because you have to translate the material to students with different types of learning styles.

While it is very difficult to choose one professor, Harin Woo is a professor that is truly remarkable and exceptional. She taught “Foundation of Policy Analysis,” and it was sincerely an applicable and useful class. We were able to break down current policies and evaluate them on various levels. We then concluded the class with a policy of our own and, with the guidelines we learned, rectified and strengthened our policy proposals intended for various government agencies. She spent ample time in office hours explaining difficult and complex topics and issues. She is one of the many professors at UGA who go above and beyond to help students achieve their goals and aspirations.

After graduation, I plan to...

I desire to be in an area and field that is intentionally bettering their environment through efficiency, engagement and empowering those who are less fortunate. Working in a department of economic development would be an amazing opportunity to work with local communities, businesses and stakeholders to create economic growth and develop areas that need it the most. I am also interested in working on government policies that affect cities, states and the country. Regardless, I am sincerely passionate about leaving places and people enabled, unified and proficient. I believe at the completion of my degrees I will be equipped and prepared to enter any field and produce viable, concrete and effective results.