Leading Through Service: Meet the Newmark Scholars at McCourt

Meghan Hall

Meghan Hall’s (MPP’26) introduction to public service came from observing the women in her family as they adapted to various military deployment cycles. With loved ones away and limited support, her aunts and grandmothers managed every detail of domestic life. Lacking alternative examples to provide a different perspective, Hall’s perception of the “hallmark” military partner was precise: Spousal sacrifice was the defining expectation of married military life. Inspired by the McCourt School’s support for active duty military, veterans and military-connected students, she hopes to challenge perceptions surrounding what it means to be military-connected and strengthen her skills to become a more effective communicator in the public affairs space. She holds a B.A. in international affairs and English from the University of San Diego.

Hayley Morton

Haley Morton (MPP’26) describes herself as an “impatient changemaker.” A career Armor Officer in the U.S. Army with eight years of experience leading soldiers, Morton saw firsthand how everything from poor housing to administrative burdens affected her soldiers’ ability to perform tasks. Whether confronting flawed defense contracts or equipment failures that have cost lives, she is committed to improving the conditions that negatively impact the force. At the McCourt School, Morton is building her skillset to excel as a military strategist and leader. Morton holds a B.S. in behavioral science from the United States Air Force Academy and will intern with the under secretary of defense for policy before returning to the United States Military Academy at West Point to instruct international affairs.

Steve Nava

Steve Nava (MPM’26) draws his commitment to public service from a family legacy rooted in democracy. He was inspired by his grandmother, who braved voter intimidation to cast her ballot during the 1986 People Power movement in the Philippines before his parents immigrated to the United States. Now, eight years into his career as an Army infantry and public affairs officer, he seeks to build on his leadership experience and move toward advising senior military and elected officials at the strategic level. He holds a B.S. in economics from the United States Military Academy at West Point and continues to serve on active duty at Fort Meade, Maryland, while pursuing his degree.

Cade Roy

Cade Roy (MPP’26) comes to the McCourt School with a generational tradition of military service. Inspired by his family’s commitment to military service, he hopes to serve the public good in his own way, through a career in public service. Roy is particularly interested in making meaningful contributions to the most pressing policy debates, as well as researching areas such as school choice, regulatory impacts and economic sanctions. Roy holds a B.A. in political science from UL Lafayette. While an undergraduate student, he served as student body president and chair of Louisiana’s Council of Student Body Presidents.