Dr. Aarika Forney Joins KSU’s MPA Faculty, Bringing Passion for Representation and Student Engagement

KENNESAW, Ga. (Feb 7, 2025) — The School of Government and International Affairs at Kennesaw State University (KSU) proudly welcomes Dr. Aarika Forney as the newest faculty member in the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program. With a deep commitment to representation and student engagement, Dr. Forney brings both academic expertise and real-world insights that will shape the future of KSU’s public administration students.  

An Impressive Academic and Professional Journey

Dr. Forney’s educational background is diverse and deeply connected to public service. She holds an Associate’s degree in Criminal Justice, a BA in Political Science, and a PhD in Political science. Throughout her career, her research has centered on representation and Black bureaucrats, a focus she is eager to integrate into her teaching at KSU.  

Beyond academia, Dr. Forney has gained hands-on experience in the public and nonprofit sectors, working on community-driven projects that address pressing social issues. This real-world perspective allows her to connect classroom concepts with tangible, practical applications for students preparing for careers in public administration.  

Bringing New Energy to the Classroom

Since joining KSU in 2024, Dr. Forney has been passionate about creating a welcoming and thought-provoking classroom environment. She values open discussions and wants students to develop the skills to communicate effectively—even with those they disagree with 

"I want my students to leave my class with a sense of confidence in their ability to engage with people from different backgrounds and perspectives," Dr. Forney shared. "Public service is about working together to solve problems, and that requires being open to new ideas."  

Dr. Forney is currently teaching Introduction to Public Administration, Introduction to Public Policy, Introduction to American Government, and Nonprofit Management. Looking ahead, she hopes to develop a hands-on polling and survey course during election cycles, giving students the opportunity to engage in real-time public opinion research 

A Passion for Student Success

Beyond her coursework, Dr. Forney sees herself as a mentor and motivator for students navigating their educational and professional journeys. She understands the challenges that many students face and is dedicated to ensuring they feel supported and empowered in their academic pursuits.  

"I know what it's like to be the only person in the room who looks like you, and I want my students—especially those from underrepresented backgrounds—to know they belong here," Dr. Forney emphasized.  

She also hopes to be a driving force behind efforts to diversify public service leadership, helping students recognize their potential to lead meaningful change in their communities.  

A Bright Future for KSU’s MPA Program 

The School of Government and International Affairs is thrilled to have Dr. Aarika Forney as a member of its faculty. Her commitment to representation, hands-on learning, and student success aligns perfectly with KSU’s mission to prepare the next generation of public service leaders.  

As she embarks on this new chapter, Dr. Forney is ready to inspire, challenge, and uplift students in the MPA program.  

Welcome to KSU, Dr. Forney!