“I’m really delighted to announce that Dr. Christina Barsky has accepted our offer to join CDAE as MPA Director, starting in Fall 24,” announced Interim Chair Asim Zia earlier this year. Dr. Barsky was hired to this role following a national search led by Interim MPA Director, Dr. Travis Reynolds.
As a self-described "prac-ademic," Dr. Barsky uniquely bridges theory and practice in public administration, focusing on election science, the delivery of public services, and innovative pedagogy. Barsky’s research explores the dynamics of citizen-state interactions on the frontlines of civil society and offers actionable insight for policymakers, practitioners, and educators. Her scholarship offers insights into the gendered nature of election administration, emotional labor of public officials, workforce challenges in public health during crises, and administrative burdens in rural disaster recovery.
"This is fabulous news, and not just for the MPA program (where Dr. Barsky will be a top-notch Director) but for all of CDAE’s programs, our faculty, and our students – we’ve hired a strong leader and a great colleague in one, I could not be more excited about this," commented Dr. Reynolds of Dr. Barsky's appointment.
Dr. Barsky will be leading the Master of Public Administration Program within CDAE, teaching, and continuing her various research interests. Learn more about Dr. Christina Barsky and her other research interests on her .