Alumni

Stephen Raper was appointed city manager of Rocky Mount, NC, in January 1995. His 11 years in this position are the culmination of a 21-year career in city management for which the UNC-Chapel Hill Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program prepared him well.

“The program provided excellent academic preparation for a career in public administration and particularly in city management,” said Raper, who graduated in 1975. “It taught the fundamentals of organizations as well as specifics such as budgeting, finance, personnel, and general management. In addition to a sound academic base, it provided a solid understanding of the field and helped to develop my ability to work as a team player.”

As city manager, Raper understands the importance of teamwork. He is responsible for all city departments and employees, serves as the administrative head of the city government, and directs all of the operational and administrative functions and activities of the city.

“I believe in teamwork very much and in 100 percent effort,” he said, describing his management philosophy. “I endeavor to enable the people I work with to succeed, to do their best work, and to be recognized for that while I provide general oversight, direction, and help.”

The teamwork and camaraderie Raper built in the MPA Program continue to this day. “I have frequent contact with a strong network of UNC MPA managers, both currently working and retired,” he said. “Many of them I consider personal friends. I am able to call on them, ask questions, and exchange information on new developments in the field.”

Originally from Durham, NC, but a longtime resident of Tennessee, Raper chose the field of public administration for his career after obtaining his undergraduate degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and serving four years in the US Navy. When considering graduate schools, he chose the UNC MPA Program for the strength of the department and the School’s Institute of Government. Considering programs from schools in several states, he chose North Carolina because of the strength of the state’s local government.

After receiving his MPA degree, Raper began his career in Rocky Mount as an intern and subsequently an administrative assistant to the city manager. He moved on to positions of increasing responsibility including assistant city manager. In 1980, he accepted the city manager’s position in Henderson, NC, where he stayed four years. He subsequently held city manager positions in Hendersonville, Tenn., and Kinston, NC, before returning to Rocky Mount.

Throughout his career, Raper has experienced the benefits of a strong sense of professionalism and ethical standards established in the UNC MPA Program.

He encourages those who are participating in or considering the program to begin as a student to build a management philosophy, a foundation for their careers. In addition, “learn as much as you can about organizations, about building relationships, and about working primarily with a team,” he said.