Jamie Shockley was working on a bachelor’s degree in political science and had aspirations of law school.

Then she took public administration and municipal administration classes as part of her political science requirements.

“I really liked both those classes,” Shockley said. “It kind of had me second-guessing what I wanted to do.”

Shockley earned her bachelor’s degree at the University of Central Missouri and her master’s in public administration at Kansas University.

She worked for the city of Riverside north of downtown Kansas City, Mo., and also did a fellowship for the city of Olathe.

Shockley had found her niche.

“I just fell in love with local government,” Shockley said. “I knew that’s what I wanted to do.”

On Nov. 3, she became Tonganoxie’s newest assistant city administrator, replacing Jennifer Jones-Lacy, who left her post here to take a job with the city of Roeland Park.

Shockley is from O’Fallon, Mo., near St. Louis.

She is a 2007 graduate of Fort Zumwalt South High School.

She comes to Tonganoxie after serving as public information officer and analyst for the public works department for the city of Olathe.

Before that, she did her fellowship in the city manager’s office.

Shockley worked in state government at the state legislature while in college, but said it “really wasn’t my cup of tea.”

She said local government is just a better fit for her.

“I would say local government is the level of government that directly impacts the citizens and has the most potential to engage and improve communities,” she said. “Of course there are politics involved in every level of government, but your elected officials don’t run based on parties. It’s non-partisan.”

Shockley lives in Overland Park. Her parents, two older brothers and a nephew all live in the St. Louis area.

She is, of course, a St. Louis Cardinals fan, but also loves Kansas University football and basketball. Shockley said she loves to travel and spends free time being with family and friends.

The new city employee said she’s enjoyed getting acclimated to the new position and the community.

“My initial observation is that everyone has been super welcoming and nice to me,” Shockley said. “It’s been a great so far.

“Everyone’s very passionate about Tonganoxie and proud to live here. I think that’s very important. It’s refreshing to work in a community where everyone is proud to live here.”

Shockley’s annual salary is $59,800.