NAUPAA

1. Undergraduate students. Candidates for undergraduate degrees who rank in the upper
   ten percent of their graduating class may be inducted provided that:                                                                                                    a) students have completed 15 semester hours of course work required for PADM;
   b) students have maintained an average grade of 3.7 on a scale of 4.0 (A GPA of 3.67 or
   above can be rounded up to qualify) in all courses included in the major in public
   policy, public affairs and public administration, and at least a 3.0 in all other course
   work;
   c) students have met the requirements of (a) and (b) above and are in the last semester or
   quarter of their junior year.
2. Transfer students. Transfer students who meet the qualifications for undergraduate
   membership may be inducted after they have completed a minimum of one full year of
   course work at NAU.
3. Master’s degree students. A graduate student may join NAUPAA who have maintained a GPA of at least 3.7 for 50 percent of the required course work (a minimum of 18 semester hours or 27 quarter hours). A GPA of 3.67 or above can be rounded up to qualify. There is no restriction to the number who may be inducted.

Graduates who meet all the requirements of student membership but have graduated before being inducted by NAUPAA are eligible to be inducted as alumni members. Additionally, student members automatically become alumni members upon graduation. Alumni members hold a special place within NAUPAA, as their experience and expertise contribute to the continued success of the honor society. Furthermore, if an alumni member relocates to a city where another chapter of PAA is present, they may also affiliate with that chapter. This allows alumni members to continue their involvement with PAA and its activities, events, and initiatives in their new location, fostering a strong network of PAA alumni across different chapters and regions. Alumni members are encouraged to actively engage with NAUPAA or any other affiliated chapters to stay connected with the PAA
community and continue their commitment to public service.

Any full-time faculty member who offers coursework in a public policy, affairs, or administration degree program at NAU is eligible to be elected for faculty membership by the NAUPAA chapter. Faculty members play a crucial role in shaping the education and development of students in the field of public affairs, and their inclusion as members of NAUPAA fosters a strong academic community and promotes excellence in public service education. Faculty members are encouraged to actively engage with NAUPAA activities, events, and initiatives to further enrich the academic and professional growth of students and contribute to the overall mission of the honor society.

Honorary membership. NAUPAA recognizes the significant contributions of distinguished individuals in the field of public policy, public affairs, or public administration through honorary membership. There are two categories of honorary membership:

1. Local Honorary. Any individual who has achieved distinction in public policy, public affairs, or public administration and possesses the distinguished qualities that Pi Alpha Alpha fosters may be inducted to honorary membership in NAUPAA. The NAUPAA chapter has the authority to induct up to two individuals per year without the express approval of the NSPAA Pi Alpha Alpha Special Ad Hoc Committee. However, prior to inducting more than two honorary members, the NAUPAA chapter must request and receive approval from the Ad Hoc Committee.
2. National Honorary. An individual who has made a particularly distinguished contribution to public policy, public affairs, or public administration through practice or education may be inducted to national honorary membership.

Honorary membership in NAUPAA is a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement and dedication to the field of public service. Honorary members are encouraged to actively engage with NAUPAA and contribute their knowledge and expertise to further advance the mission and goals of the honor society.

The nominating committee will review students who are academically eligible for membership. 

The NAUPAA nominating committee consists of three members as follows:
1. Dr. Sara Rinfret, Director of the MPA Program
2. Dr. Troy Chen, Assistant Professor and the Advisor of the NAUPAA
3. Andrea Lucchesi,  NAUPAA President

If you are interested in serving as a member of the leadership team, please contact, Dr. Troy Chen, NAUPAA advisor.

President, Andrea Lucchesi

My name is Andrea Lucchesi. I received my Bachelors of Science from Northern Arizona University in 2020. I will graduate from NAU with my Masters of Public Administration this upcoming December. I am incredibly passionate about public service, specifically the importance of creating connections with the citizens in our communities. I am on the leadership team for Pi Alpha Alpha, a NASPAA recognized honor society geared to the recognition of scholarship and accomplishment in public affairs and administration. The goals for Pi Alpha Alpha are to ensure NAU students are prepared to enter the public and non-profit sectors by helping to navigate resources and development opportunities. We are also aiming to align ourselves with other professional public service organizations to additionally support students upon graduation.

Elvira Fike, Vice President

Elvira Fike, originally from Tucson, Arizona, is a professional with a strong background in business administration and finance. During this term, she will serve as the Vice President of PAA and ICMA. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting and Finance and started working at the University of Arizona in August 2011. Currently, she is pursuing a Master’s in public administration at Northern Arizona University, with an expected graduation in December 2025. Her financial career has spanned both large and small private sectors; while working for a state public higher education institution, she identified her passion in the public sector and higher education. Her goal for the organization this year is to provide students with unique and engaging opportunities for involvement that complement their academic experience by creating programming that enriches their academic journey.

Jennifer Peterson, Secretary

Jennifer Peterson is an MPA student entering her final semester.  Jennifer has 12 years in public service at the state and local level and is excited to be a part in building the future of public service.

As a valued member of NAUPAA, you will experience a plethora of benefits that will enhance
your academic and professional journey, including:
1. Recognition of your academic achievement: Your membership in NAUPAA signifies your dedication and excellence in the field of public affairs and administration, providing you with well-deserved recognition for your academic achievements.
2. Job-searching and networking advantages: Membership in NAUPAA opens doors to exclusive networking opportunities with fellow members, professionals, and potential employers in the public service field. This can greatly enhance your job-searching efforts and expand your professional network.
3. Demonstrating your commitment to public service: NAUPAA membership reflects your readiness and eagerness to contribute to the betterment of society through public service. It showcases your commitment to making a positive impact on your community and beyond.

As per the guidelines set by the NASPAA PAA and/or the NAUPAA Chapter, each member is:
required to pay an initiation fee for their membership. The NAUPAA membership fee is $60, payable once as a lifetime membership fee to the NAUPAA chapter. Please contact the NAUPAA Advisor, Dr. Chen.