Roy L. Heidelberg, PhD

Roy L. Heidelberg is chair and associate professor in the Department of Public Administration at Louisiana State University. His academic research includes critical investigations into accountability, public participation and early administrative thought. He has also worked with public agencies and non-profits in areas of housing and health policy.

When I arrived at the Glenn School (as it was known then), I did not think that my career path included academia. It was the conversations with peers and professors that sparked my interest in pursuing a career in teaching and research. I had casual conversations about big topics, and my peers forced me to think more deeply about things. I made friendships that I hold dear to this day.

I was lucky also to have the opportunity to work with Professor Stephanie Moulton, who hired me to assist her with her work with the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. Dr. Moulton helped me to see the ways that an academic can also contribute to government policy. I have used that insight here in Louisiana where I have authored the past two housing needs assessments for the Louisiana Housing Corporation.
 
One standout memory is sitting in Professor Anand Desai’s office crowded with books and binders, chatting about research questions and the many things that I didn’t understand. Dr. Desai encouraged me to pursue research topics that I found rewarding and interesting. He also taught me how to be a good mentor and, through his example, showed me the importance of listening in mentorship.

In July, I was appointed department chair, so that occupies an inordinate amount of time. I also have recently accepted the role of Series Editor for a book series, Uncommon Views, from LSU Press. I am actively seeking manuscripts for that series and have high hopes for its success.

Over the past few years, my research has sought to understand the administrative state from a political theory perspective. Many of my recent publications are components of this inquiry, and I am working on a book manuscript to bring together these ideas. I have also started a research agenda that explores the construct of the public going back to sixteenth and seventeenth century Britain.

I chose to attend the Glenn College because I felt that a sense of community and openness to inquiry more than at other places I visited as an aspiring doctoral student. I have marveled at the growth of the Glenn College since I graduated in 2013. Under the leadership of Dean Brown, I have been impressed at the breadth of expertise being brought onto the faculty and the number of doctoral students who are given the opportunity to study there.