Justin Barclay

My name is Justin Barclay and I am a part-time student in the Doctor of Public Administration (DPA) program at the University of Baltimore at The Universities at Shady Grove (USG). I work as a senior manager of strategic asset management at Johnson, Mirmiran, and Thompson (JMT) Technology Group, where I advise public agencies on the development and implementation of strategic infrastructure asset management programs. I am also an accredited member of the Institute of Asset Management (MIAM).

I hold a Master of Public Administration from the University of Baltimore, earned in 2015, a Master of Science in Leadership from Duquesne University, and a Bachelor of Music in Vocal Performance from West Virginia University. I am pursuing my doctorate to further enhance my professional skill set, advance my career, and explore future opportunities in higher education.

I graduated from high school in Allegany County, Maryland, and was the first in my family to attend college. After earning my bachelor’s degree, I moved to Pittsburgh before eventually relocating to Baltimore. During that time, I pursued my graduate degrees while transitioning professionally — from working as a supervisor at Caribou Coffee and as a freelance church musician to roles in the nonprofit sector, including contracted Assistant Manager of Fundraising and Marketing Campaigns at the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra and Director of Development and Marketing at Habitat for Humanity of Washington County, Maryland.

After five years in the nonprofit sector, I interviewed for a position with the Maryland Transit Administration, which led to an embedded consulting role as the Asset Management Program Lead. Over the next four years, I supported asset management initiatives within MTA and further developed my expertise in the field. In 2021, I accepted an opportunity with JMT Technology Group, where I now contribute to national business strategy development for asset management across multiple sectors while supporting public agency clients. I began pursuing my Doctor of Public Administration part-time at the University of Baltimore at The Universities at Shady Grove alongside this work.

Now in my third semester of the DPA program, I find that each of my courses offers relevant, practical material that directly connects to the work I already do. Every assignment allows me to tailor my research and projects to my professional focus, giving me actionable skills I can apply immediately. I am especially looking forward to the public scholarship component of the program as I continue toward my anticipated graduation in May 2030.

This degree will allow me to continue advancing within my organization by applying the lessons learned throughout the program. For current and future students, I encourage fully utilizing the tools and resources provided by your program to make both your academic and professional lives mutually beneficial — and to maintain a healthy balance between work, school, and life.