UIC Professor nurtures future public admin leaders with dedication

Demonstrating an unwavering dedication to advancing knowledge and research, Dr. Yonghong Wu is renowned for his impactful research in state and local public finance. Armed with a Ph.D. from Syracuse University, Dr. Wu currently works as a Professor and Director of International Programs in the Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Dr. Wu discusses his course for UIC’s online Master of Public Administration (MPA) program, PA 403: Economics for Management and Policy, and how he emphasizes the practical applications of economic concepts for future public leaders. He also offers insights into his current project, exploring how local governments respond to fiscal challenges through direct democracy.

Dr. Wu offers advice to prospective students reflecting on his commitment to nurturing future leaders in public service and nonprofit sectors. Learn more about the dynamic career of Dr. Wu and his PA 403 course.

How did you become interested in public administration?

My undergraduate major is physics, and I taught college physics for several years before embarking on my academic journey in the field of public administration. I became interested in this new field because public administration provides a platform for scholars to engage in academic research and contribute to the development and implementation of public policies and programs that address various societal challenges. I have been excited about the opportunity to positively impact society by analyzing, evaluating, and contributing to the formulation and improvement of public policies and programs.

What valuable skills/knowledge will students develop in your online MPA course, PA 403: Economics for Management and Policy course?

The goal of PA 403: Economics for Management and Policy course is to introduce students to basic economic concepts and methods relevant to public management and policy. These include supply and demand, market equilibrium, social welfare, production costs, competition versus monopoly, economic efficiency versus equity, market failure, public goods, and externalities. Upon completion of the course, students will acquire the ability to understand these fundamental economic concepts and methods, enabling them to apply their knowledge to evaluate government policy options and management strategies.

Are there any projects or real-world applications that students can look forward to in the PA 403: Economics for Management and Policy course?

This course distinguishes itself from other microeconomics courses by placing a strong emphasis on the practical application of economic concepts and principles to real-world issues. Students will have the chance to read articles, work on problems, and participate in discussions closely related to real-world applications of economic concepts and methods.

What advice do you have for prospective students considering the online MPA program at UIC?

I have devoted my entire academic career to UIC’s Department of Public Policy, Management, and Analytics, especially its nationally renowned MPA program. As the longest NASPAA accredited MPA degree in Chicagoland, we have attracted cohorts of talented and diligent young people who are eager to pursue management careers in public and nonprofit sectors in the Chicago area and beyond. I am particularly proud of my efforts in nurturing future generations of leaders and managers at all levels of our government system who will play crucial roles in dealing with a variety of challenges to our society.

Tell us a little about the most exciting project you are working on right now.

One exciting project I am working on is to examine how local government officials and voters respond to fiscal preemption through direct democracy. It focuses on tax referenda that overrides the levy limit set by Proposition 2½ in Massachusetts. We find that municipal governments are motivated to seek tax referendum due to diminishing fiscal slack resources, yet the tax burden on residents can discourage such pursuits.