From the campaign trail to city hall, second-year Master of Public Administration (MPA) student David Bilger is putting public service into action—and being recognized for his impact. Bilger was one of three Pennsylvania public administration graduate students honored in December with the 2025 Outstanding Student Award by the Keystone State Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA). The award recognizes Pennsylvania students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement and a strong commitment to public service.
Founded in 1939, ASPA is the nation’s largest professional association for public administration, connecting scholars and practitioners across government and nonprofit sectors. The Keystone State Chapter, established in 1967, advances the study and practice of public administration throughout the state of Pennsylvania and offers professional development opportunities for its members. The Chapter holds an awards ceremony each year, recognizing students and practitioners in categories including Chapter Leadership Award, Outstanding Scholar-Practitioner Award, and Student Paper Award. Numerous SPIA students and faculty have been recognized over the years, including, most recently, Associate Professor Sabina Deitrick, who received a Chapter Lifetime Achievement Award last year.
Bilger earned his bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in economics from the University of Tulsa. After college, he worked on a U.S. House campaign, conducted state-level policy research, and served briefly at a food bank through the AmeriCorps program. His experiences in public service shaped his commitment to using government more effectively to address social challenges.
Bilger says he came to SPIA with a clear vision for his time in the two-year program.
“I moved to Pittsburgh to pursue my MPA with three goals: build technical skills, broaden my knowledge of local and regional government as well as nonprofits, and learn in a city with a strong urban fabric,” he shared. “I’ve completed every SPIA data course… focused my coursework on local government, and sharpened my policy analysis and organizational stewardship skills. I translated these academic experiences into internships with the Steel Rivers Council of Governments and Tri COG Land Bank, Moon Township, and the Pittsburgh Foundation, and am working on an applied group project with Professor Dougherty and the Pennsylvania Department of Economic Development to provide financial recommendations to a municipality under the state's STMP program.”
While Bilger is still figuring out where he’ll be after graduation, he hopes to work on issues such as public transit, housing, and the built environment—the human-made spaces and infrastructure that shape how people live, work, and move in cities. He isn’t ruling out positions in cities including Chicago, Philadelphia, and his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri, but he doesn’t find himself in a hurry to leave Pittsburgh yet, either.
“I am exploring positions in a few places, but would also enjoy remaining in Pittsburgh,” he said. “I’ve built strong connections here and appreciate its unique political context.”
Learn more about our Master of Public Administration program and explore concentrations including Public & Nonprofit Management, Social Policy, and Urban Affairs & Planning.