National Public Service Scholarship

Walden University recently awarded National Public Service Scholarships to three students who are serving at the national level and pursuing a doctorate to enhance their effectiveness in their professional roles in service to their country.

Administered by the Office of the President, this scholarship provides for an annual academic year tuition remission of $1,500 and is renewable annually for three years, provided that the eligibility requirements continue to be met.

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Stephen Joseph Dubernas

Program Analyst, Defense Logistics Information Service, Logistics Initiatives Division
PhD in Public Policy and Administration student

Public Service Achievement: Served as a U.S. Air Force officer in a variety of roles supporting Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a federal civil servant, supported joint NATO war forces by developing logistics visibility systems.

Public Service Goal: Research the formation of commitment to a career of service in the military. Explore questions related to decision-making, and become departmental expert on administrative decision-making and policy.

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Billy Joe Hillger

Assistant Federal Security Director for Screening, Department of Homeland Security/Transportation Security Administration, Valley International Airport, Harlingen, Texas

PhD in Public Policy and Administration Student Specializing in Homeland Security Policy and Coordination

Public Service Achievement: Served in the U.S. Air Force for 20 years, now managing security staff at two airports in Texas. Has done research and presented briefings in the San Antonio area on ways to improve security and prepare for natural or manmade incidents. Worked with representatives from several agencies to develop a hurricane evacuation plan for the Texas Rio Grande Valley.

Public Service Goal: Work with governments at all levels to save lives through the development of new policies in the homeland security and emergency management fields, and serve as a trainer in these policies through academic and civic organizations.

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Mary Elizabeth O’Brien

Regulatory Reviewer and Nurse Consultant, U.S. Food and Drug Administration
PhD in Health Services

Student Specializing in Health Management and Policy
Public Service Achievement: Served in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps—either active duty or reserve—for 27 years. Currently works to evaluate and regulate medical devices, and advises various groups conducting research on the safety and effectiveness of urologic medical devices.

Public Service Goal: Better protect public health by leading an effort to streamline the medical device labeling review process within the FDA.

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More Scholarship Information
Learn more about this and other scholarships.