IU Bloomington graduate student, Master of Public Affairs

After completing her Master of Public Affairs degree though the School of Public and Environmental Affairs (SPEA), Dianna Black wants to help underdeveloped economies. “Ideally I would do this at an international organization like the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund,” Black says. Black's concentration is comparative and international affairs, but since she is just beginning the public affairs degree she may add economic development or policy analysis.

Black, 25, left her hometown of Springfield, Virginia, to study at IU Bloomington. She chose the campus for its beauty and the SPEA program because she wanted to earn a degree from a school and university with a recognized reputation. “It was very important to me to have a pretty, green campus and a degree from a school that would be recognized after I graduate,” Black says. “SPEA offered both and had the additional benefit of being in a great small town.”

Black graduated from the University of Virginia in 2001 where she frequently made the Dean's List. Before coming to IU, Black worked on government contracts at a small engineering firm. Black says the degree she earns from IU will help her make a career shift.

While at IU, Black plans to be an active member of START (Students Taking Active Roles Today ), a volunteer club at SPEA. Black is not only looking forward to earning her degree, but she is also looking forward to the overall IU experience.