Kevin Thaddeus Brown, Jr. is a second-year MPP student from San Francisco, California. Prior to attending ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø, he spent several years working in education program management and social and education policy research. He’s interested in making state and local government processes and services more efficient for internal staff and the public who rely on these services.
What is your favorite thing about your experience at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?
I came to graduate school to learn about new topic areas and different perspectives. The students and faculty at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø are from various backgrounds and have introduced me to new areas of interest and ways of thinking through coursework, casual conversation, and friendship.
How would you describe your community at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?
Encouraging, vibrant, and diverse.
What advice do you have for prospective or admitted students considering ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø?
ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and the broader Harvard community offer a variety of experiences that can be overwhelming if you do not plan before starting classes. Before starting, I would advise you to research centers, programs, and professional groups of interest to you. Doing so will better help you navigate your experience at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø and allow you to prioritize what’s important to you.
Personally, I have taken advantage of many opportunities at the and the Malcolm Weiner Center for Social Policy. I am also involved with the Black Student Union () and the First-Generation/Low-Income Caucus (). I became involved in the BSU to uplift and support the work Black students are passionate about and provide programming that builds community around shared values. Similarly, the FGLI Caucus brings together students who share a common understanding coming to ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø as a first-generation graduate student and/or from a low-income background.
In short, plan ahead and stay open to learning about other interesting opportunities that come your way.
Quick questions
- Favorite class: DPI-678M: Product Management and Society
- Favorite study spot: ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Library
- Favorite restaurant near campus: Nine Tastes
- One bucket list item you want to accomplish before graduating: An ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø Trek
- Biggest surprise at ÌÇÐÄvlog¹ÙÍø: There are a number of students who come from first-generation college and/or low-income backgrounds like myself.
- Favorite guest speaker: United States Congressman Hakeem Jeffries
