Emily Peters, 24

Bozeman, MT
M.A. Public Administration

“I want the big picture that drives me to go to work everyday to be about making a difference and helping others.”

By Carmen Price, University Communications and Marketing

Emily Peters’ journey through college has been guided by her passion to help others.

“I want the big picture that drives me to go to work everyday to be about making a difference and helping others,” Emily said. “I can’t imagine the big picture being about money.”

Her passion has also earned her the distinction of being named the 2015 Nels Christiansen Outstanding Graduate Student.

The 24-year-old graduate student from Bozeman received a double major in psychology and sociology from the University of Montana before enrolling into Montana State University Billings’ master’s program in public administration.

“I really enjoyed the subject matter of my undergraduate degrees, but I wanted to apply my focus to working more hands-on with people,” she said. “This program has definitely been an applied focus, providing me with real-world scenarios and case studies.”

Paul Pope, the MPA program director, said that education is a much better place with students like Emily.

“Emily has a tremendous ability to accomplish anything she puts her mind to, and if her current and past success is any indication of her future success, I think that expecting great things to come may be an understatement,” Paul said.

In addition to maintaining a perfect 4.0 grade-point-average in her graduate program, Emily works as a graduate assistant in the Office of Graduate Studies. She has helped the office develop and update its website presence and graduate recruiting.

She also volunteers with the MSUB Office of American Indian Outreach, Extended Campus and the MPA program to develop a Native American tribal management graduate certificate.

After graduation, Emily’s goal is to work in higher education.

“I love the field of education for so many reasons,” Emily said. “It’s a world in which people are always striving to learn more, contribute more and collaborate more. To be a part of this is always inspiring and only makes me want to be all of those things too. It’s about giving back and making an impact on those around us.”