MPA Spotlight: Salvador Servin III
Meet Salvador Servin III, a second-year MPA student set to graduate this spring from the University of Arizona. A native Tucsonan, Sal is passionate about serving his community through local government. An avid reader and scuba diver who enjoys a variety of sports, he is also deeply family-oriented. As a proud Mexican-American, Sal values his heritage and culture, which drives his commitment to hospitality and generosity to all people and in all aspects of his life.
Background: After high school, Sal attended Pima Community College, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Administrative Justice. From there, he joined the Pima County Sheriff's Department, gaining over three years of experience inside the county jail. During the COVID pandemic, Sal resumed his studies at the University of Arizona, where he entered the Accelerated Master's Program, ultimately graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor's Degree in Law. As the 2024 Marvin A. Andrews Scholar, Sal has gained valuable experience and connections within local government, focusing on city management.
Work: After completing several internships during his undergraduate and graduate studies, Sal recently joined the City of Tucson's Procurement Department as a Contracts Officer. In this role, he manages contracts, handling negotiations, amendments, and renewals to ensure smooth operations.
Why MPA: Sal chose to study in the MPA program because it effectively prepares future leaders for high-level management roles. "Through a well-structured curriculum and exceptional faculty, the program addresses an emerging gap in public administration as many leaders prepare to retire in the near future." Sal values the program's dedication to real-world applications and collaboration with local governments, providing opportunities to bridge classroom learning with practical city management experience. "For me, expanding my skills is a proactive way to tackle increasingly complex challenges in public service."
Post-Grad: After graduating this spring, Sal intends to continue his career with the City of Tucson, aiming to advance in public service and one day possibly achieve the role of Tucson City Manager.