Kevin Couch ‘04
Great Grad: Kevin Couch ‘04
For most of Kevin Couch’s career, he worked as a public affairs director, having studied political science at Mississippi State University. He handled federal affairs for a poultry company for about five years. When searching for a graduate program that would further enhance his career, Couch found what he was looking for with UALR’s Master in Public Administration (MPA) degree. In retrospect, Couch, who completed the program in 2004, said, “It’s a tremendous program. The MPA is geared well toward working individuals, and the level of expertise and attention you receive all greatly support success in the program. It helped me understand public policy better.”
His career took a different direction after adding the graduate credentials to his resume; however, the MPA enhanced his preparation and skill set for a new industry in banking. Employed at BancorpSouth for three years, he is a commercial lender who also handles issues related to the Community Reinvestment Act. He serves the Little Rock market assisting lending institutions with compliance of the federal law. Couch said banking was an opportunity that inadvertently came up, but “it’s been great. A lot of the information I learned for this line of work was in the MPA program and continues to be beneficial.”
He has continued to stay in touch with Dr. David Sink, a professor in the MPA program, who suggested the Alumni Association would be a good way for Couch to get involved. “With a hands-on approach, Dr. Sink is an intricate part of how the MPA program has advanced.” In the past year, Couch has represented the Alumni Association Board of Directors as president of the public administration chapter, which is obligated to “determine the best course of action to promote and build the reputation of the (MPA) program,” adding that he is excited about the full committee they have put together.
An avid volunteer, Couch also serves on the Our House Board of Directors and is a committee chair for Young Life, a faith-based organization that helps children throughout Little Rock. He and his wife Genny have two daughters Reece Mallory, 4, and Neely, 2, and live in Maumelle.