Jami Kliner – an FSU alumna (B.S. Political Science ’25) and current Master of Public Administration (MPA) student at the Reubin O’D. Askew School of Public Administration and Policy – is making the most of COSSPP’s Combined Pathways program to fast-track her graduate education while building on more than 20 years of public service experience.
Through Combined Pathways, which allows undergraduate students to take coursework that counts toward both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree, Kliner began earning MPA credits as an undergraduate. Now a full-time MPA student, she is on track to graduate in Spring 2027.
Kliner first enrolled at FSU in the 1990s but stepped away in 1999 before completing her degree. She returned in 2022, and the decision to come back proved to be transformative.
“Coming back to FSU later in life, while balancing a full-time career and family responsibilities, has been both challenging and incredibly rewarding,” Kliner said. “This experience has been meaningful because it allowed me to finish what I started and to approach my education with a new level of focus and purpose.”
Throughout her coursework, Kliner has worked closely with faculty whose instruction has shaped both her thinking and her practice. Raoul Lavin, MPA, offered a Local Government Administration course that provided grounded, practical insight into how local governments operate.
“Mr. Lavin provided practical insight into how local governments operate, which helped me better understand the real-world application of policy and administration,” Kliner said.
In addition, she expressed her gratitude for Gary VanLandingham, Ph.D., praising his professional experience and engaging teaching style.
“Dr. VanLandingham, through both Managing Florida Government and the Profession of Public Administration courses, challenged me to think more strategically and critically about how government operates in Florida,” Kliner said.
She also earned certificates in Emergency Management and U.S. Intelligence Systems during her undergraduate studies.
Beyond her coursework, Kliner remains active in several professional organizations, including Pi Sigma Alpha (Gamma Alpha Chapter), Florida Women Leading Government, the American Society for Public Administration, and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
As an Insurance Regulation Administrator at the Florida Department of Financial Services, Kliner leads a team within the Division of Consumer Services, advocating for Florida consumers navigating insurance-related concerns. With more than 23 years of professional insurance experience, she has spent over 15 with the Florida Department of Financial Services and four operating her own insurance agency. In this time, she has led data-driven initiatives and overseen staff specializing in claims handling, insurance regulation, and consumer protection.
“My time at FSU has helped me build on that foundation by giving me a broader perspective on how government works, how policy decisions affect communities, and how effective public servants can improve systems and outcomes,” Kliner said. “It has also strengthened my confidence as a leader and reinforced my desire to continue growing professionally.”
After graduating in Spring 2027, Kliner looks forward to pursuing leadership roles within the public or private sector or inspiring the next generation of leaders through teaching at the college level.
“Returning to FSU has not only helped me achieve academic success, but it has also shown me that it’s never too late to pursue your goals and continue growing both personally and professionally,” Kliner said.
To learn more about each of the related programs, click the following links: askew.fsu.edu, cosspp.fsu.edu/polisci, and cosspp.fsu.edu/combined-pathways.