Elliott Moya
As Chief of Police, I have always believed in leading by example, and continuing my education allows me to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the complex challenges we face in public service.
Q: “Tell us about yourself.”
A: “I'm a proud dad of two incredible daughters—one in college and one in elementary school—who are truly at the center of everything I do. I'm married to my amazing wife, a social worker who shares my passion for giving back. Together, we try to lead by example, staying involved in our community and teaching our girls the value of service and kindness. When I’m not working or cheering on my daughters in all they do, I’m usually watching baseball (go Mets!), getting in some miles with a ruck on my back, or diving into a good documentary or something historical. I’ve always been drawn to stories—whether they're from the past or unfolding in front of me—and that curiosity helps me keep learning and growing.”
Q: “Please describe your professional experience.”
A: “I currently serve as the Chief of Police in Eliot, Maine, where I have worked since 2016. I’ve spent over 20 years in public service, including military experience in the Air Force Reserve. My professional work focuses on modernizing policing practices, supporting officer wellness, and building strong community partnerships. I have led efforts around mental health response, accreditation, and leadership development within the department.”
Q: “What was your motivation for pursuing your degree?”
A: “As a lifelong learner, I seek to deepen my understanding of leadership, policy, and public service. As Chief of Police, I have always believed in leading by example, and continuing my education allows me to bring fresh perspectives and strategies to the complex challenges we face in public service. This degree supports my commitment to professional growth and serving my community more effectively.”
Q: “What are your future professional plans?”
A: “I want to continue serving as a Chief of Police as I find purpose and fulfillment in leading an agency and supporting the community. The MPA degree has strengthened my knowledge and given me a more well-rounded understanding of public administration, policy development, and organizational leadership. It has also enhanced my ability to evaluate programs, manage change, and make more informed, strategic decisions that benefit a police department and the public we serve.”
Q: “Why did you choose Norwich?”
A: “I chose Norwich because of its rich military history and strong reputation for developing leaders—something that really resonates with me both personally and professionally. As someone with a background in law enforcement and the military, I was drawn to an institution that values service, discipline, and integrity. I first learned about Norwich through its national reputation and connections within the public service community. The flexibility of its programs was a huge factor for me. Being able to balance coursework with my responsibilities as a police chief made pursuing my degree realistic and manageable. What makes Norwich unique is the sense of purpose woven into everything it offers. The smaller class sizes have allowed for a more personalized and engaging learning experience, and the professors understand the realities of working professionals. It’s more than a degree—it’s a community that builds confident, capable leaders ready to take on real-world challenges.”
Q: “Did you have any uncertainties with choosing an online program?”
A: “I didn’t have any uncertainties about choosing an online program—given the demands of my work and personal life, an online option was a must. I needed the flexibility to learn on my schedule without compromising the quality of education. I was looking for a program with a solid reputation and a strong foundation in leadership, and I found exactly that at Norwich.”
Q: “Prior to beginning your courses, what were some of your expectations for an online degree program?”
A: “Before starting my courses, I had some concerns about how I would manage my time and stay organized enough to meet the demands of the coursework. Balancing a full-time leadership role with school was intimidating at first. But those concerns were quickly eased once I got started. Norwich’s online learning system is well-formatted and easy to navigate, which made a big difference. The professors also set clear expectations from the beginning, which helped me plan ahead and stay on track. Overall, the experience has been structured, supportive, and far more manageable than I initially expected.”
Q: “What is one piece of advice you would give to future students enrolling in one of Norwich's online programs?”
A: “One piece of advice I’d give to future students enrolling in Norwich’s online programs is to jump in fully committed—there’s no perfect time to start, so don’t wait for one. Make the decision, set aside protected time each week for your coursework, and treat it like any other important responsibility. Also, keep open lines of communication with your professors. They’re incredibly supportive, but it’s up to you to reach out, ask questions, and stay engaged. The structure is there to help you succeed—you just have to show up and put in the work.”
Q: “How do you plan to use your degree in your career?”
A: “I plan to use my degree to strengthen and expand my impact within my current role as a police chief. The program has deepened my understanding of public administration, sharpened my leadership skills, and provided valuable tools for addressing complex organizational challenges. It enhances my ability to lead more effectively, make informed decisions, and drive meaningful change within my department. This degree also opens the door to future leadership opportunities within public service, allowing me to continue serving with greater insight, purpose, and confidence.”
Q: “What has been your biggest personal or professional success since starting your degree?”
A: “My biggest personal and professional success since starting this program has been completing a rigorous graduate degree while working full time and staying present and engaged with my family. Balancing those responsibilities was no small task, but Norwich made it possible. The flexibility of the program, combined with a supportive and understanding teaching staff, allowed me to manage coursework without sacrificing my commitment to my role or my family.”
Q: “Please tell us about a time when you could put your knowledge gained in the classroom to work immediately at your job.”
A: “One of the most powerful aspects of my experience at Norwich was how often the coursework validated the work I was already doing as a leader in public service. Rather than learning in a vacuum, I found that the material gave language, structure, and scholarly support to strategies I had instinctively implemented. This not only reinforced my confidence in those decisions but also empowered me to take them further with greater clarity and purpose. Whether it was improving internal communication, shaping organizational culture, or navigating change management, the classroom provided a deeper foundation that translated immediately into more thoughtful, impactful leadership in the real world.”
Q: “What aspects of your Norwich experience will you carry most strongly with you?”
A: “One of the most meaningful aspects of my Norwich experience has been the connections I’ve made with others in the program. The opportunity to network and engage with professionals from across the country—each bringing their own perspectives, challenges, and insights—created a rich environment for shared learning. These interactions pushed my thinking, broadened my understanding of public service, and reminded me that leadership is rarely a solo endeavor. The sense of community, even in an online setting, is something I’ll carry with me long after the degree—both personally and professionally.”
