FRANKLIN, Tennessee — Williamson University is thrilled to launch its new Master of Public Administration (MPA) program and the nation’s first Certificate in Rural Economic Development (CRED), a groundbreaking initiative designed to prepare current and aspiring leaders to serve communities with integrity, innovation, and impact. As one of the few Christian higher education institutions in the United States offering a Master of Public Administration degree, Williamson University is uniquely positioned to equip a new generation of public servants, nonprofit leaders, community leaders, and economic development professionals for meaningful leadership in an increasingly complex world.
Classes begin on January 19, 2027, in online, on-campus, or hybrid formats. The 36-credit-hour MPA includes concentrations in nonprofit management, public leadership, and rural economic development.
Additional program information can be found here:
https://williamsoncc.edu/academics/mpa/
The new programs represent a significant milestone in Williamson University’s vision for the future of Christ-centered higher education. Grounded in a biblical understanding of stewardship, service, and human flourishing, the MPA and CRED programs will prepare students to address critical public challenges while advancing the common good in communities across Tennessee, the southeastern U.S., and rural America. The university will partner with state and local governments, economic and community development organizations, chambers of commerce, tourism offices, workforce boards, and state, regional, and national associations to provide students with unparalleled networking, applied learning, and leadership development opportunities.
Dr. Roger J. Huston, President of Williamson University and director of the new programs, said,
“At Williamson University, we believe higher education should do more than prepare people for a career; it should inspire purpose. The Master of Public Administration and Certificate in Rural Economic Development reflect our commitment to developing leaders who understand that public service is ultimately about loving your neighbor, strengthening communities, and advancing human flourishing. We are launching a program that integrates professional excellence with biblical truth, training graduates who are called to lead with wisdom, humility, and courage.”
Dr. Huston brings extraordinary experience and credibility to the initiative. Prior to becoming president of Williamson University, he launched and led a nationally recognized rural advancement initiative, created innovative workforce and community development programs, secured major public and private partnerships, and became a sought-after speaker on rural issues, economic development, leadership, workforce development, and community transformation. His scholarly and professional work includes publications, conference presentations, and consulting engagements focused on strengthening rural America. He holds graduate degrees from Harvard University and Yale University, as well as a Master of Public Administration from Iowa State University and a Doctor of Philosophy in Public Policy from the University of Delaware. He also brings firsthand experience in state and local government and economic development roles, giving students practical insight into how public policy and community leadership shape local outcomes.
Launching the Certificate in Rural Economic Development marks a historic achievement. While countless communities across America face workforce shortages, population challenges, infrastructure needs, entrepreneurship gaps, and economic transitions, few educational programs focus specifically on rural prosperity. As part of Williamson University’s expansion of professional studies and executive education offerings, the institution’s CRED credential will provide practical, research-based strategies for rural community transformation and economic growth, making it the first professional certificate of its kind offered through a Christian university and designed specifically for rural community leaders and economic development practitioners.
Dr. Huston explained,
“Throughout my career, I have witnessed the transformative power of effective public leadership. Communities rise or fall based largely on the quality of their leaders and institutions. This program is intentionally designed to develop ethical, competent, servant-hearted leaders who can strengthen governments, nonprofits, economic development organizations, and community institutions. We are not simply educating administrators; we are developing stewards of the public trust.”
The university’s location provides an exceptional living laboratory for students. Williamson County and the City of Franklin are widely recognized as national leaders in economic development, entrepreneurship, tourism, quality of life, and strategic growth. Students can study in one of the nation’s most dynamic and successful communities while gaining direct exposure to leaders and organizations that have helped shape a model of sustainable economic prosperity. Through partnerships with local and regional stakeholders, students will learn from real-world practitioners and engage directly with the issues that define modern public administration and community development.
The timing of the new MPA program is especially significant as demand for skilled public sector and nonprofit professionals continues to grow. Recent research by Joseph Altonji and Zhengren Zhu found that, excluding doctoral programs, Master of Public Administration graduates achieve the fourth-highest cost-adjusted lifetime returns among master’s and professional doctorate degree holders, ranking behind only MD, PharmD, and JD graduates. The high ranking underscores the degree’s remarkable value proposition for career advancement and long-term earnings potential. The findings further reinforce the MPA’s reputation as one of the nation’s strongest graduate degrees in terms of return on investment.
The new programs also reflect Williamson University’s broader commitment to innovation in Christian higher education. By integrating faith, leadership, policy, economic development, and community engagement, the university is creating a distinctive educational model that responds to emerging workforce needs while remaining firmly anchored in biblical principles. Students will graduate prepared not only to advance professionally but also to serve responsibly as citizens, neighbors, and leaders dedicated to the flourishing of the communities they are called to serve.
Dr. Huston concluded,
“America needs principled leaders more than ever. Whether serving in city hall, a nonprofit organization, a chamber of commerce, an economic development agency, a public authority, or a state government office, our graduates will understand that leadership is fundamentally an act of service. Through these programs, Williamson University will help develop principled and collaborative leaders capable of advancing the public good while faithfully living out their Christian convictions in every sphere of influence.”
Applications for the Master of Public Administration and Certificate in Rural Economic Development are now being accepted.
Prospective students can apply here:
https://williamsoncc.edu/apply/apply-online/graduate-application/
Sponsorship and partnership opportunities are also available for organizations committed to advancing public leadership, community development, and economic prosperity throughout Tennessee and beyond.
Contact Williamson University at:
About Williamson University
Williamson University is a Christ-centered institution of higher education in Franklin, Tennessee, dedicated to developing purpose-driven leaders through affordable, accessible, transformational education. The university equips students to integrate faith, work, and service while making a meaningful impact in their professions and communities.