Ava Hamilton: Embracing a future in public administration

Ava Hamilton, a senior at Ohio University majoring in political science in the College of Arts and Sciences, initially viewed law school as the next logical step in her career. However, after her internship at the Office of General Counsel for the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) in Washington, D.C., she decided to pursue a master’s in public administration (MPA) instead.

Through engaging in meaningful projects and collaborating with many colleagues holding advanced degrees in public administration and business administration, Hamilton realized the profound impact that public policy can have on people's lives. 

During her internship, Hamilton's primary project involved indexing over 800 resolutions that shaped the Commission's history. The hands-on experience with hundreds of legal documents not only deepened her understanding of public policy but also crystallized her career aspirations.

“I got a much clearer image of what I’d like my future to look like,” Hamilton said. “It was exactly what I want to do in the future–policy work and working one-on-one with local communities to revitalize the region– and I realized that I don’t need to go to law school to do this, so now, the plan is to pursue an MPA.”

Hamilton's journey began during her sophomore year when she participated in a research initiative funded by the ARC. The pivotal experience ignited her passion for addressing the systemic challenges facing Appalachia. Working closely with a team, Hamilton analyzed socio-economic issues in Southeast Ohio, including the opioid crisis and educational barriers.

It was during this time she began to understand the complexities of the region.

“Once I began learning about the systemic challenges in Appalachia—from the opioid crisis to educational disparities—I found it both fascinating and important,” Hamilton said. “The region often goes unnoticed and underserved, and as I dug deeper, I started to deconstruct those portrayals and fell in love with Appalachia.”

The ARC is vital in fostering economic development across Appalachia, working with federal and state governments to promote sustainable growth and enhance community well-being. The organization collaborates with institutions like the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service at Ohio University, where Hamilton currently works as an undergraduate research scholar.

Through partnerships with Voinovich School, the ARC is instrumental in developing educational programs and research initiatives that equip students like Hamilton with the skills and knowledge necessary to enact change.

Through her internship and experiences at the Voinovich School, Hamilton discovered her purpose: to serve and uplift the Appalachian community she has come to love through public administration.

As she looks ahead, she encourages her peers to engage more deeply with the Appalachian region.

“Don’t let your engagement with Athens stop at Ohio University; there is so much that you can learn because Appalachia is a very special place,” she urged. “The moment you engage with the region around you in its entirety, your world is going to open up so much more.”