A nationally accredited leadership program built for public service.
The Certified Public Manager® (CPM) Program is a rigorous, nationally accredited leadership development program designed for professionals in public and nonprofit sectors. Structured as a 12-month hybrid program, it totals 300 instructional hours, blending three weeks of asynchronous online content with a full-day, in-person Application Lab each month.
Each monthly module focuses on a core competency essential to effective public service management, including ethical decision-making, inclusive stakeholder engagement, systems thinking, strategic planning, conflict resolution, project leadership, and organizational change. Participants progressively build a leadership portfolio, culminating in a Capstone Showcase and Reflection, which applies their learning to a real-world challenge.
This program supports workforce development priorities by equipping participants with practical tools and leadership strategies grounded in public service values. The cohort model encourages professional networking and collaboration across government and nonprofit organizations.
Tuition:
$2,985
Format:
Hybrid
Duration:
12 months
Prerequisites:
None
Department Chair of Public Health | Utah Valley University
Dr. Sturtevant is Department Chair of Public Health at Utah Valley University and a tenured associate professor in the College of Health and Public Service. He also supports the CPM program through UVU Continuing Education.
With more than 40 years of experience in emergency services, public administration, and higher education, he brings a practical, student-centered, and strengths-based approach to leadership and teaching. He has served as Associate Dean and Interim Dean, leading work in strategic planning, program development, and faculty support.
Dr. Sturtevant is a Certified Gallup Strengths Coach and Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. His research focuses on strengths-based leadership, faculty engagement, and academic innovation. He holds an EdD and an MPA from the University of Tennessee.
The CPM is built for professionals who serve the public and are ready to lead more effectively within it. If you work in local, county, state, or federal government, in a public school or higher education setting, or in a nonprofit, this program was designed with your challenges in mind. Whether you are self-enrolling to accelerate your growth or your organization is investing in your development, you will find a curriculum and cohort that meet you where you are. If you are motivated by mission and ready for practical leadership tools you can use immediately, you are the right fit.
For me, CPM was life changing. It's more than just project management -- it really changed who I was as a person and as a supervisor. The investment is well worth it.
I'd been out of education for over 30 years and was terrified about being a student again. I had acquired many skills, but they felt like unconnected processes. UVU's program allowed me to take those varied experiences and organize them into something actionable -- and by the end, both my supervisor and director commented that they saw a huge change in my leadership skills.
Why the CPM program?
The CPM is built specifically for the public sector — the budget pressures, the stakeholder complexity, the accountability demands, and the mission-driven culture that makes public service different from any other field.
Here is what sets it apart:
If you are a manager, supervisor, or emerging leader in a government agency or nonprofit, this program gives you the tools your role demands and the recognition your career deserves.
Can my agency cover the cost?
Will I receive a certificate upon completion?
What is the time commitment each week?
Do I need to be in a management role to apply?
Where are the in-person sessions held?
