Feature Stories 2025: Claire Yost ’25: “Lethal on paper."

After more than 10 years in the U.S. Army as a physical therapy assistant, drill sergeant, and victim advocate, Claire Yost ‘25 recognizes both the strengths and flaws of large institutions. In UMass Dartmouth’s online Master of Public Policy (MPP) program, she found a way to channel her discipline, empathy, and drive into systemic advocacy. 

“Public policy is where my passions align with my strongest characteristics and skill set,” she explained. “I plan on being lethal on paper.” 

“I realized I could be the somebody who steps forward to enact change.”  

A winding road to public policy

Finding a vocation often requires lived experience, intentional choices, and deep empathy to recognize where you’re meant to be and when you’re supposed to be there. Yost’s journey reflects this truth, but it took time, energy, and resilience to discover that her calling was in public policy. 

“For much of my life, I have grappled with questions about my purpose and how I can make the greatest impact on the world. My journey has been anything but linear, but it is this winding path that has brought me to the realization that advocacy, at a systemic level and through the world of public policy, is my calling.” 

Claire recalled her experience as a licensed Sexual Assault Prevention and Response Victim Advocate in the Army as extremely influential in this journey.  

“It was my time as a Victim Advocate (VA) that truly ignited my passion for making meaningful change. Over six and a half years in this role, I identified significant flaws in the Army’s Sexual Harassment/Assault Response and Prevention (SHARP) program and proposed six pages of changes directly to the Sergeant Major of the Army, the highest ranking enlisted member. This bold step led to a response and an offer to join the Pentagon’s policy team, affirming my belief in the power of policy to drive transformation.” 

The experience gave Yost a glimpse of how her voice could influence institutions and planted the seed for her next chapter. What began in uniform as advocacy for others became the foundation for her pursuit of public policy. 

Choosing education 

After struggling with self-confidence and academic capabilities, Yost was unsure about future education, particularly at the graduate level. 

“I graduated in 2014 with a BS in athletic training and an embarrassingly low GPA of 2.4. I let that two-digit number reign over my confidence for nearly 10 years, making me question my worth and capabilities as a student," she said. 

“I didn’t consider grad school because I thought there was no way a school would want me. That is until I met professor Mark Paige. I Googled MPP programs, and UMassD was ranked as one of the best in the nation. Mark really boosted my confidence in my decisions about higher education. He never tried to sell me on UMassD, but on public policy in general, reassuring me that it fits perfectly with who I am and what I want to do for this nation.” 

“I ended up getting accepted into every grad school I applied to but there was no other option in my mind besides UMassD.” 

Life in the MPP Program 

"Balancing studies with active-duty service is challenging in a stimulating way, and my professors were extremely flexible and understanding. There was lots of paper writing going on in tents and in the woods," she joked. 

Yost also valued the online community. “I have made friends for life, despite not ever knowing them in person. Same with my professors. I am confident that they would all help with anything I needed.”

Future and aspirations 

All the dedication, late nights, waivers to graduate early, and the decision to leave the Army was all worth it. 

“I just got accepted to the New York State Senate Fellowship where I will be researching and writing policy for the state of New York. Getting accepted into the fellowship is also a huge thanks to all the staff at UMassD.” 

Beyond this amazing achievement, Yost is already looking ahead.  

“I plan on running for office in a few years, and I am coming in hot on a platform of free and equitable education. I would tell my soldiers all the time that the most dangerous thing you can be is educated, and to weaponize yourself with knowledge–that has been my mantra my entire career.” 

Final motivation

Yost’s story is a symbol of how passion and education converge to shape leaders and encourage change. 

“I am motivated, aggressive in my fight for others, and in touch with the everyday person. I know what it’s like to be homeless. I know what it’s like to go to school hungry. I know what it’s like having to scramble to find ways to pay for your education. I want to be an advocate of the people and the MPP program taught me that policy is the greatest weapon for fighting for justice, equity, and preserving our freedom.”