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Meet McGeorge School of Law’s newest students: Master’s programs
This year’s incoming class at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law includes 266 students: 215 JD, 9 MPA/MPP, 22 LLM, 1 JSD, and 19 MSL students. They come from 52 colleges and universities, including the UC system, CSU schools, University of the Pacific, and institutions from Florida to California, as well as international universities in Brazil, Egypt, Austria, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey, and India.
Over half (56 percent) of our students identify as People of Color, 18.5 percent as LGBTQIA+. 63 percent of our students are women, and more than 40 percent are first-generation college students. Our incoming class represents 18 countries and speaks over 20 languages, including Bengali, Catalan, Nepali, Spanish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese.
This diverse group brings a wide range of experiences, including careers in the ACLU, acting, the U.S. Army, commercial fishing, public health research, education, music journalism, Special Olympics coaching, and more. These varied backgrounds enrich our community and enhance the learning experience at McGeorge School of Law.
Visit the website for a full entering class profile.
Meet Caitlin Johnson, MPA program
Caitlin Johnson, student in the McGeorge School of Law MPA program.
Caitlin Johnson, a housing policy specialist with the California Governor’s Office of Land Use and Climate Innovation, is pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) at McGeorge School of Law. She chose McGeorge for its flexible evening program, which allows her to balance her full-time job and family responsibilities.
“The evening MPA program works with my schedule,” she said. “McGeorge’s program allows me to pursue my master’s degree while still prioritizing my family.”
Johnson holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration and began her career in the California State Legislature as a policy intern. After serving as legislative director for two state senators, she worked as a fair housing manager with the Department of Housing and Community Development. Now, as a housing policy specialist, she is focused on shaping state housing policy.
Her decision to pursue a master’s degree was driven by a desire to further develop her skills and advance her career.
“Earning a post-graduate degree has always been a dream of mine... it was clearly the next step for me to level-up my skills and ensure I am as competitive as possible for future promotional opportunities,” she said.
Johnson is particularly drawn to McGeorge’s blend of law and policy courses.
“The legal coursework at McGeorge is giving me an entirely new understanding of how local, state, and federal laws interact... I have already developed new skills and competencies that I’ve brought to my day job,” Johnson said.
Johnson’s education and experience reflect her commitment to public service and her passion for shaping effective housing policies in California.
Meet Megan Nyce, MPA program
Megan Nyce, student in the McGeorge School of Law MPA program.
Megan Nyce is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Administration (MPA) at McGeorge School of Law, driven by a deep passion for public service and reform.
"My decision to pursue a Master's in Public Administration stems from my deep-rooted passion for public service and my commitment to reform and change in systems that may at first be resistant,” she said.
The flexibility of McGeorge’s MPA program, designed for working professionals, allows Nyce to balance her career while advancing her education.
“The schedule of classes allows me to continue to have my career, and with that knowledge, it has opened many doors to networking with others in different agencies and organizations,” Nyce said.
A native of New Mexico, Nyce earned a double bachelor’s degree in sociology and English from the University of New Mexico. Her career in the corrections and reentry field began with an internship at a federal halfway house, where she worked with individuals transitioning from incarceration.
This experience, she says, "shaped my pathway in research," prompting her to return to the University of New Mexico for a research position focused on mental health programs and corrections department classification tools.
In 2021, Nyce expanded her work by joining RTI International, where she supports federally funded research and evaluation projects focused on corrections and reentry programming.
She is passionate about improving outcomes for incarcerated individuals and those returning to society.
“I am passionate about improving outcomes for those who live in prison and are returning home by ensuring corrections and reentry programs are effective and responsive to their needs."
Nyce’s goal is to foster more supportive, rehabilitative environments within the criminal justice system. She believes that through dedicated research and evaluation, “we can create more supportive and rehabilitative environments that foster successful reintegration and reduce recidivism.”
Her studies and career reflect a steadfast commitment to social justice, public service, and reform in the criminal justice system.
Meet Maria Yepez, MPA program
Maria Yepez, student in the McGeorge School of Law MPA program.
Maria Yepez, a first-generation college graduate, is committed to helping low-income families access essential resources. She earned a Bachelor of Science in management from UC Merced and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration (MPA) at McGeorge School of Law.
"I feel low-income families do not get as much information about higher education," Yepez said.
"An MPA would help me help my community by developing programs that assist parents and students with researching higher education programs, grants, and scholarships."
Yepez works for a non-profit organization helping low-income families access childcare services.
"I am currently working for a non-profit organization helping low-income families receive childcare services," she said.
She also plans to create or partner with organizations that take parents and students on university tours.
"As a parent, one of the hardest things to do is to let go of your child. Many parents restrict their children from going far away for college, so by taking them on tours of different universities, they might be more open to the change,” Yepez said.
Yepez decided to pursue an MPA degree because she wants to help low-income families.
“I want to make a difference in my community and help low-income families receive the resources they need to thrive in life," Yepez said.
She chose McGeorge School of Law for its proximity to her home, flexible classes, and unique dual degree program.
She explains that the connections the law school has to the Capitol, along with its unique status as the only law school in California offering an MPA, will help them create lasting change.
Through her education and work, Yepez is committed to ensuring that every family has the tools and support they need to thrive.
Meet Michael McPherson, MSL in Government Law & Policy
Michael McPherson, student in the McGeorge School of Law MSL in Government Law & Policy.
Michael McPherson, originally from Davis, California, has a strong background in social work and behavioral health. He holds an associate’s degree in behavioral health science and a bachelor’s degree in social work.
Currently employed by the State of California Department of Social Services, Michael has extensive experience working with marginalized communities.
"I’ve spent a great deal of time in my professional career working with foster youth, group homes, juvenile justice, adults with psychiatric disorders, drug and alcohol addictions, homeless shelters, and other disenfranchised communities,” Michael said.
Michael is pursuing a Master of Studies in Law (MSL) in Government Law and Policy at McGeorge School of Law to enhance his administrative skills and further his career in government.
"I decided to attend McGeorge’s MSL program to further my administrative skills for the state and advance in my career to help make executive decisions that can benefit disenfranchised communities,” he said.
What drew Michael to McGeorge was both personal and professional. "My mother attended this school and received her JD," he shared.
The MSL program’s focus on government work was also a key factor. Michael views the program as a means to better understand the complexities of government bureaucracy and improve decision-making.
"The program will help me understand the bureaucracy of government work for the purpose of becoming more solution-focused regarding decision-making,” Michael said.
Through the MSL program, Michael aims to expand his ability to make a meaningful impact on marginalized communities through effective governance and policy.
This news story is the third news story in a series highlighting exceptional first-year students at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law. For more news stories recognizing students from various programs at the law school, visit Meet McGeorge’s newest students: JD program and Meet McGeorge School of Law’s newest students: LLM program.
