Three faculty members from Arizona State University have been named fellows of the National Academy of Public Administration, highlighting the university’s commitment to addressing challenges in public administration. The new fellows are Derrick Anderson, Bill Gates, and David Guston.
Profiles of the New Fellows
Derrick Anderson serves as a professor in the School of Public Affairs and is also the incoming CEO of EdPlus. His research focuses on institutional design and how public institutions can create value, particularly in the context of higher education and technology governance.
Bill Gates, a professor of practice and executive director of ASU’s Mechanics of Democracy Laboratory, brings his experience as a former Maricopa County Board of Supervisors member. His work addresses election integrity and the challenges local officials face in maintaining trust in government processes.
David Guston, a foundation professor and associate vice provost in the Julie Ann Wrigley Global Futures Laboratory, specializes in responsible innovation. His research examines how public investments can be structured to maximize value while anticipating both positive and negative outcomes.
Impact on Public Administration
The induction of these faculty members into NAPA reflects ASU’s strong representation and leadership in the field. ASU President Michael M. Crow emphasized the importance of their work in shaping future public administration practices. “David, Derrick and Bill are exemplary leaders,” he stated, highlighting their contributions to the societal role of public institutions.
NAPA fellows leverage their expertise to support government leaders in enhancing the effectiveness and accountability of institutions. Their roles include conducting agency reviews, participating in working groups, and offering guidance through congressional testimony.
Focus Areas for the ASU Fellows
The new fellows aim to address critical issues in public administration, including responsible innovation and the intersection of technology with public policy. Guston noted that artificial intelligence will likely be a significant focus area as it presents both opportunities and challenges for public administration.
Anderson stressed the need for institutions that can adapt to the evolving landscape, stating that understanding the blurred lines between public and private sectors is essential for addressing public challenges. Gates aims to broaden NAPA’s focus to include local government issues, emphasizing that trust in election processes is crucial for the functioning of democracy.
ASU’s Strength in Public Administration
ASU stands out among public research universities for its number of NAPA fellows. The university currently has more active faculty members serving as NAPA Fellows than any other public research institution. This reflects ASU’s dedication to applying academic knowledge to real-world public challenges.
James-Christian Blockwood, NAPA’s president and CEO, noted that public administration demands a wide range of expertise, and ASU’s faculty contribute significantly to this diversity. The collaboration between ASU and NAPA aims to enhance the effectiveness of government and tackle pressing societal issues.
Source: Arizona State University
