This week brings exciting news for the MPA Program at the College of Charleston! Marla Robertson has joined our staff as the MPA Program Coordinator and Community Assistance Program (CAP) Director. She is a fantastic asset to the department; Marla will support the administration of the program and lead the CAP team in career development and community building.
Marla is a 2006 undergraduate of the English Department and a 2019 graduate of the College of Charleston’s MPA Program. She has spent the last 12 years working on campus at the College in Academic, Student, and Business Affairs. Marla is a board member of the Post Landfill Action Network (PLAN), which focuses on educating campuses and students on zero-waste and landfill aversion initiatives. Marla has served as the Black Student Union staff advisor for the last 5 years. She also serves on the executive board for the Gender Sexuality and Equity Center (GSEC) at the College of Charleston. She also volunteers in other capacities as needed across campus and remains vehemently dedicated to the support, encouragement, and advancement of black students on the College of Charleston campus.
Marla has spent all of her academic and the majority of her professional career at the College. When she was 20 years old, Marla also learned how to swim in the College of Charleston’s pool, and later married her swim instructor. In her spare time, she does hair, raises a teenager and rages against systems of oppression. Lastly, Marla’s tip for incoming and future MPA students is: “I recommend that students take intentional time and efforts to meet, connect, and engage with faculty and staff of your academic program.”
MPA staff and faculty members are thrilled to welcome Marla. She is an outstanding addition to the team and will continue to advance the MPA community and the public sector. Marla can be reached at cochranm@cofc.edu or 843-953-6690.