Getting to Know Professor Juan Ponce
1) What is your name and what do you teach?
My name is Juan Ponce. In the past I have taught Criminal Justice classes at the Bachelor Level for Union Institute and University but since I have been at California Lutheran University I have taught Master Level classes for the MPPA Program including “Intergovernmental Relations, Emergency and Crisis Management and a Leadership Course.”
2) How long have you been teaching?
I have taught for several years at our Ventura County Criminal Justice Training Center, at Union Institute and University for 7 years and have now been teaching at California Lutheran for 6 years.
3) Getting to know you, outside of the classroom, what are some of your favorite things to do?
Some of my favorite things I love to do are vacationing in Mexico, reading, hiking on the Ranch I grew up in Moorpark, and spending time with my family.
4) What initially sparked your interest in the public policy and public administration sector, and how did it impact your career path moving forward?
I was always very interested in public service and I wanted to be in a position in my profession where I could make a difference and have a seat at the decision-making table. I think a degree in Public Administration makes the Administration in any organization take notice that you are a person who is prepared to make solid decisions and can hit the ground running when placed in a position of leadership.
5) What do you love most about teaching in the MPPA program?
I love that I am able to bring real life application examples from my life / career experience to the classroom and apply them against the theories that are stated in the textbook. With my prior knowledge and hands on experience, I am able to effectively bridge two worlds, one based in theory and the other in true application.
6) What do you hope students will take away from your course, both in knowledge and real-world skills?
I am hopeful, and have seen firsthand, that my students are able to apply the lessons learned in the classroom as soon as they step outside the door of the classroom and apply it in their career environment. I have received feedback from many students who return both excited and invigorated and have reported to me that they have applied lessons learned, in the classroom, effectively in their career environment.
7) How would you describe your teaching philosophy and how do you think it challenges MPPA students?
My teaching philosophy is to incorporate all of the senses when we are learning inside and outside (field trip) the classroom. I am aware of different adult learning modalities and how some students may only learn visually, others need audible instruction, and yet others learn by actually putting into practice the theories (role-play). It is my responsibility and philosophy to not only find the correct learning modality but also to motivate and inspire students to find a love for what they will be doing as a career.
8) In your opinion, how can students best prepare for a career in public service while they are still in the MPPA program?
I encourage all students to seek out an internship whether paid or not. Gaining experience and the opportunity to practice theory outside the classroom is an invaluable experience. There are many organizations and companies who are willing to take on interns to assist them in their mission.
9) Additionally, from your experience what are some skills you believe are necessary to succeed in the public service/public policy sector?
Public Service is unequivocally a calling and not just a job that ends at 5 p.m. As a student and practitioner in the public policy sector, you should always put service above self, which is generally counterintuitive in human nature. With that being said the skills necessary to succeed in public service are patience, perseverance, humility, strong work ethic, passion for serving others and the ability to place others needs above our needs.
10) If you could spend one day with a public figure/leader, past or present, who would it be and why?
If I could spend a day with a public figure / leader it would be the Mexican Revolutionary Emiliano Zapata. Emiliano Zapata fought, literally, for the common and indigenous people of Mexico against overwhelming odds. The government attempted to “buy him out” by gifting him land and money, to put down the rebellion, but Emiliano Zapata refused to be bought. Emiliano put the people of Mexico above self no matter what the consequences. I would love to hear how he became a defender and a voice to those who have been and continue to be silenced only due to the color of their skin or their socioeconomic status.
11) What is one piece of advice you would give to current and prospective MPPA students?
I think if a practitioner of Public Service asks what can your Organization do for me or what will I gain from my attainment of a Master’s Degree in Public Administration, then that student is asking the wrong question. A true student of Public Service should be asking what he / she can do to improve and / or serve the Organization / public. Most students are looking to get paid a prince’s ransom for the job that they do. The true reward and / or paycheck is knowing that at the end of the day, you made a difference in the state, in a county, in a city, in a community, in a neighborhood, on street, or even in one person’s life. With that mindset and outlook of this profession you will be not only successful but you will be…unstoppable.
A huge thank you to Professor Ponce for providing us with a deeper understanding of his work as a public servant and his role as an MPPA professor. His dedication to public service and student growth is truly inspiring. If you’re interested in connecting further with Professor Ponce, you can email him at jmponce@callutheran.edu.
