{"id":535,"date":"2023-04-17T18:14:42","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T18:14:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/nau.edu\/mpa\/?page_id=535"},"modified":"2026-10-05T22:35:41","modified_gmt":"2026-10-05T22:35:41","slug":"pi-alpha-alpha","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/pi-alpha-alpha\/","title":{"rendered":"Pi Alpha Alpha"},"content":{"rendered":"<h1>NAUPAA<\/h1>\n<h3>What is Pi Alpha Alpha?<\/h3>\n<p>Welcome to the Northern Arizona University Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha (NAUPAA), which is a\u00a0proud affiliate of Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA), the esteemed National Honor Society for Public Affairs\u00a0and Administration. PAA is a registered Trademark of the Network of Schools of Public Policy,\u00a0Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the globally recognized standard in public service\u00a0education. Our chapter, NAUPAA, is located on the beautiful mountain campus of Northern\u00a0Arizona University, where we strive to promote excellence in public service and foster a\u00a0community of dedicated individuals committed to making a positive impact on society.<\/p>\n<h3>Purpose<\/h3>\n<p>The NAUPAA chapter aims to encourage and recognize outstanding scholarship and\u00a0accomplishment in public policy, affairs, and administration, not only on the NAU campus but\u00a0also in the greater northern Arizona region. We uphold the public service values that form the\u00a0foundation of the MPA program and undergraduate program in public administration at NAU.\u00a0Our chapter provides opportunities for professional development, practical learning, and\u00a0networking through academic and professional assistance to improve the experiences of our\u00a0members and the community. We serve NAU\u2019s Public Administration students, alumni,\u00a0associates, and community practitioners in public service, promoting the advancement of\u00a0education and practice in the art and science of public policy, affairs, and administration. We\u00a0strive to foster integrity, professionalism, and creative performance in the conduct of\u00a0governmental and related public service activities.<\/p>\n<h3>How can you join?<\/h3>\n<p>Our membership is limited to those of academic excellence and achievement and\/or\u00a0distinguished public service who are or have been enrolled or teach in public affairs or public\u00a0administration programs, or who serve or have served in the public service.<\/p>\n<h3>Eligibility Criteria<\/h3>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Student Membership_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-1-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-1-panel\">\n            Student Membership\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-1-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-1-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<ol>\n<li><em><strong>Undergraduate students.<\/strong><\/em> Candidates for undergraduate degrees who rank in the upper<br>\nten percent of their graduating class may be inducted provided that: \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0a) students have completed 15 semester hours of course work required for PADM;<br>\nb) students have maintained an average grade of 3.7 on a scale of 4.0 (A GPA of 3.67 or<br>\nabove can be rounded up to qualify) in all courses included in the major in public<br>\npolicy, public affairs and public administration, and at least a 3.0 in all other course<br>\nwork;<br>\nc) students have met the requirements of (a) and (b) above and are in the last semester or<br>\nquarter of their junior year.<\/li>\n<li><em><strong> Transfer students.<\/strong><\/em> Transfer students who meet the qualifications for undergraduate<br>\nmembership may be inducted after they have completed a minimum of one full year of<br>\ncourse work at NAU.<\/li>\n<li><em><strong>Master\u2019s degree students.<\/strong><\/em> 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.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Alumni Membership_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-2-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-2-panel\">\n            Alumni Membership\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-2-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-2-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Graduates who meet all the requirements of student membership but\u00a0have graduated before being inducted by NAUPAA are eligible to be inducted as alumni\u00a0members. Additionally, student members automatically become alumni members upon\u00a0graduation. Alumni members hold a special place within NAUPAA, as their experience and\u00a0expertise contribute to the continued success of the honor society. Furthermore, if an alumni\u00a0member relocates to a city where another chapter of PAA is present, they may also affiliate\u00a0with that chapter. This allows alumni members to continue their involvement with PAA and\u00a0its activities, events, and initiatives in their new location, fostering a strong network of PAA\u00a0alumni across different chapters and regions. Alumni members are encouraged to actively\u00a0engage with NAUPAA or any other affiliated chapters to stay connected with the PAA<br>\ncommunity and continue their commitment to public service.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Faculty Membership_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-3-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-3-panel\">\n            Faculty Membership\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-3-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-3-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Any full-time faculty member who offers coursework in a public\u00a0policy, affairs, or administration degree program at NAU is eligible to be elected for faculty\u00a0membership by the NAUPAA chapter. Faculty members play a crucial role in shaping the\u00a0education and development of students in the field of public affairs, and their inclusion as\u00a0members of NAUPAA fosters a strong academic community and promotes excellence in\u00a0public service education. Faculty members are encouraged to actively engage with NAUPAA\u00a0activities, events, and initiatives to further enrich the academic and professional growth of\u00a0students and contribute to the overall mission of the honor society.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Honorary Membership_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-4-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-4-panel\">\n            Honorary Membership\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-4-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-4-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>Honorary membership. NAUPAA recognizes the significant contributions of distinguished\u00a0individuals in the field of public policy, public affairs, or public administration through\u00a0honorary membership. There are two categories of honorary membership:<\/p>\n<p>1. <em><strong>Local Honorary.<\/strong><\/em> Any individual who has achieved distinction in public policy, public\u00a0affairs, or public administration and possesses the distinguished qualities that Pi Alpha\u00a0Alpha fosters may be inducted to honorary membership in NAUPAA. The NAUPAA\u00a0chapter has the authority to induct up to two individuals per year without the express\u00a0approval of the NSPAA Pi Alpha Alpha Special Ad Hoc Committee. However, prior to\u00a0inducting more than two honorary members, the NAUPAA chapter must request and\u00a0receive approval from the Ad Hoc Committee.<br>\n2. <em><strong>National Honorary.<\/strong><\/em> An individual who has made a particularly distinguished\u00a0contribution to public policy, public affairs, or public administration through practice or\u00a0education may be inducted to national honorary membership.<\/p>\n<p>Honorary membership in NAUPAA is a prestigious recognition of outstanding achievement and\u00a0dedication to the field of public service. Honorary members are encouraged to actively engage\u00a0with NAUPAA and contribute their knowledge and expertise to further advance the mission and\u00a0goals of the honor society.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Leadership Team<\/h3>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Nominating Committee_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-5-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-5-panel\">\n            Nominating Committee\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-5-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-5-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p><strong>The nominating committee will review students who are academically eligible for membership.\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>The NAUPAA nominating committee consists of three members as follows:<br>\n1. Dr. Sara Rinfret, Director of the MPA Program<br>\n2. Dr. Troy Chen, Assistant Professor and the Advisor of the NAUPAA<br>\n3. NAUPAA President<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"NAUPAA Leadership Team_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-6-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-6-panel\">\n            NAUPAA Leadership Team\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-6-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-6-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>If you are interested in serving as a member of the leadership team, please contact, Dr. Troy Chen, NAUPAA advisor.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-890 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-Alex-Guzman-Pres-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-Alex-Guzman-Pres-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-Alex-Guzman-Pres-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">President, Alex Guzman<\/p>\n<p>Alex Guzman is President of the Pi Alpha Alpha chapter at Northern Arizona University, where he is pursuing a Master of Public Administration. His path to public administration has been a natural progression rather than a change in direction: over the past two decades he has worked across both the private and public sectors as an entrepreneur and an educator, founding WooLearning and Woozia, organizations focused on practical education and real-world skill development, while mentoring others in his community. He currently serves at the Apache County Recorder\u2019s Office, supporting election administration in a rural Arizona county, and his interests center on city and county management, public policy, and elections. He was named the Class of 2026 Commencement Speaker at Pima Community College. As chapter President, he looks forward to running Pi Alpha Alpha collaboratively and building it into an active part of the NAU public administration community.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-891 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-vivian-Gonzalez-Carrera-VP-150x150.png\" alt=\"Photo of Vivian Gonzalez Carrera\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-vivian-Gonzalez-Carrera-VP-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-vivian-Gonzalez-Carrera-VP-300x298.png 300w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-vivian-Gonzalez-Carrera-VP.png 498w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Vice President, Vivian Gonzalez Carrera<\/p>\n<p>Hi, I\u2019m Vivian! I am currently pursuing my Master of Public Administration at Northern Arizona University and am excited to serve as Vice President of Pi Alpha Alpha. With a background in psychology and experience in local government, I\u2019m passionate about people, leadership, and public service. In this role, I look forward to serving my fellow students in any capacity I can, building meaningful connections, and contributing to a supportive and engaging MPA community.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-892 size-thumbnail\" src=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-Rachel-Kanyur-Secretary-150x150.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"150\" height=\"150\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-Rachel-Kanyur-Secretary-150x150.png 150w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2026\/10\/PAA-Rachel-Kanyur-Secretary-300x300.png 300w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 150px) 100vw, 150px\" \/><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Secretary, Rachel Kanyur<\/p>\n<p>My name is\u00a0Rachel\u00a0Kanyur, and I am completing my Master of Public Administration with a Certificate in Election Administration. I have worked with Arizona\u2019s elections for nearly 10 years, both in Maricopa County and Coconino County, and have seen first-hand how free, fair, and secure elections help empower local communities. I look forward to furthering my knowledge through this program. I also earned my bachelor\u2019s degree from NAU in 2023 and am a proud graduate of the NAU Honors College. Participating in campus organizations during my undergraduate experience helped me to grow into the person I am today. I am excited to promote professional development and networking opportunities to current NAU MPA students through my participation in Pi Alpha Alpha.<\/p>\n<p>\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h3>Other Information<\/h3>\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Benefits of Membership_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-7-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-7-panel\">\n            Benefits of Membership\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-7-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-7-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>As a valued member of NAUPAA, you will experience a plethora of benefits that will enhance<br>\nyour academic and professional journey, including:<br>\n1. Recognition of your academic achievement: Your membership in NAUPAA signifies\u00a0your dedication and excellence in the field of public affairs and administration, providing\u00a0you with well-deserved recognition for your academic achievements.<br>\n2. Job-searching and networking advantages: Membership in NAUPAA opens doors to\u00a0exclusive networking opportunities with fellow members, professionals, and potential\u00a0employers in the public service field. This can greatly enhance your job-searching efforts\u00a0and expand your professional network.<br>\n3. Demonstrating your commitment to public service: NAUPAA membership reflects your\u00a0readiness and eagerness to contribute to the betterment of society through public service.\u00a0It showcases your commitment to making a positive impact on your community and\u00a0beyond.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<!-- shortcode-accordion -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-accordion shortcode-accordion--closed\" style=\"position: relative;\" >\n        <h4 class=\"shortcode-accordion__header\">\n        <button type=\"button\" class=\"shortcode-accordion__trigger\" data-header=\"Membership_0\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-8-trigger\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"shortcode-accordion-8-panel\">\n            Membership\n            <span class=\"shortcode-accordion__header__arrow\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/span>\n        <\/button>\n    <\/h4>\n    <div class=\"shortcode-accordion__body\" id=\"shortcode-accordion-8-panel\" role=\"region\" aria-labelledby=\"shortcode-accordion-8-trigger\" inert>\n        <html><body>\n<p>As per the guidelines set by the NASPAA PAA and\/or the NAUPAA Chapter, each member is:<br>\nrequired 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.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-543 size-uncropped-large\" src=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-600x400.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"600\" height=\"400\" srcset=\"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/403\/2023\/04\/NAU-Books-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" \/><\/p>\n<!-- shortcode-right-column -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-right-column\" >\n    <div class=\"shortcode-right-column__container\">\n<!-- shortcode-contact -->\n<div class=\"shortcode-contact\">\n    <div class=\"contact-header\">\n        <h3>More Information<\/h3>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"contact-body\">\n                <a href=\"mailto:NAUPAA Advisor Troy Chen,\u00a0Xi.Chen@nau.edu\" aria-label=\"More Information: Email Address\" title=\"Email Address\">\n            <div class=\"contact-icon-container\">\n                <i class=\"fas fa-envelope\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <span class=\"sr-only\">Email:<\/span>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"contact-email\">NAUPAA Advisor Troy Chen,\u00a0Xi.Chen&#8203;@nau.edu<\/div>\n        <\/a>\n                    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>NAUPAA What is Pi Alpha Alpha? Welcome to the Northern Arizona University Chapter of Pi Alpha Alpha (NAUPAA), which is a\u00a0proud affiliate of Pi Alpha Alpha (PAA), the esteemed National Honor Society for Public Affairs\u00a0and Administration. PAA is a registered Trademark of the Network of Schools of Public Policy,\u00a0Affairs, and Administration (NASPAA), the globally recognized [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":768,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"ring_central_script_selection":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-535","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/535","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/768"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=535"}],"version-history":[{"count":17,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/535\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":893,"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/535\/revisions\/893"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/in.nau.edu\/mpa\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=535"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}