As a former high school teacher and advocate for community empowerment, 2019 Outstanding MA Graduate Ben Erwin realized that he had a passion for the public policies that shape the educational field. 鈥淎fter my time in Mississippi in advocacy, I realized I wanted to pursue a career in education policy,鈥 Erwin said. 鈥淢y belief in education as a driver of social justice and opportunity continues to drive my passion for education.鈥