Mallory E. Compton

Mallory E. Compton studies the ways in which public organizational outputs and public service quality are shaped by resources, policy and institutions with a focus on administrative errors, social policy and economic insecurity. Dr. Compton’s work bridges public administration and political science by considering how politics shape public management outputs and how policy implementation shapes political behavior. Her co-edited book Great Policy Successes was published by Oxford University Press and her work has appeared in top-tier academic journals including the Journal of Public Administration Research and Theory, Journal of Politics, Public Administration and Public Management Review. Her work on racial equity in unemployment insurance administrative errors was recognized with the 2024 Best Journal Article Award from the Academy of Management Public and Nonprofit Division.

Dr. Compton received her MPA from the London School of Economics and her Ph.D. in Political Science from Texas A&M University. Her academic and research appointments have included a postdoctoral position with the School of Governance at Utrecht University and a tenure-track position with the Public Service & Administration Department in the Bush School of Government at Texas A&M University.

Through her teaching, Dr. Compton aims to prepare her students to contribute to effective and accountable governance through their professional and civic lives. In her classes, students learn to analyze contemporary challenges to public policy and administration and to identify evidence-based solutions. Dr. Compton has taught a range of courses on public administration and public service, public management, social welfare and health policy.