Community

A Dedication to Public Service Runs in the Family

"We only get one chance to build a reputation in public service."

"We only get one chance to build a reputation in public service."

By carstories

“We only get one chance to build a reputation in public service, and I’m learning the tools to build one my grandfather can be proud of.”

Justin Stirewalt aspires to carry on his grandfather’s legacy of public service and protection.

Following his graduation from Carolina in 2007, he went to work for the Surry County Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff. During nearly a decade of service, he’s worked his way up through the ranks to become a detective. Now, he is balancing his career with coursework as a student in the UNC School of Government’s Master of Public Administration program.

Over 40 years ago, Stirewalt’s grandfather studied under the same roof in the54th North Carolina State Highway Patrol Basic School at the Institute of Government.

Read the complete Carolina Story from the UNC School of Government…Opens in new window

Stirewalt received the 2017 Megan Cornog Memorial Highway Safety Scholarship from the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center.

UNC School of Government Funding Priorities

    Readers Also Viewed...

    Dante Pittman poses outside with hands on hips and whirligigs in the background.
    Community

    Strengthening North Carolina’s local governments

    Dante Pittman, member of the first cohort of Lead for North Carolina Fellows, is now human relations director for the City of Wilson, his hometown.

    Chris Atack and Duane Hampton in police uniforms pose at the UNC School of Government.
    Innovation

    A Mission for Public Service

    A UNC School of Government program supports leadership in public service.

    Close-up of Anita Brown-Graham posting in front of The Well at UNC-Chapel Hill.
    Community

    New funding for statewide youth employment program

    Blue Cross NC award fuels Carolina Across 100’s “Our State, Our Work” program.

    A group of LFNC fellows
    Community

    Cultivating Community Leaders

    A one-year grant from the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation supports Lead for North Carolina’s work in local governments.

    Mike Smith and Maurice Smith posing for photo
    Community

    “Together, we’re going to do great things for North Carolina”

    Local Government Federal Credit Union is continuing its support of the UNC School of Government with $12.7 million pledge.

    SECU Foundation and LFNC members hold the $1 million check
    Leadership

    Investing in Local Leadership

    SECU Foundation Helps UNC School of Government Fund LFNC Fellowships.