David C. Wilson, Ph.D. is Dean of the Richard and Rhoda Goldman School of Public Policy and Professor of Public Policy and Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. His research investigates the psychology of political behavior, including policy preferences, democratic and civic ideology, racial and social group attitudes and beliefs, and social cognition and survey response.

Prior to his UC Berkeley appointment, he was the Senior Associate Dean in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Delaware, where he was also a Professor of Political Science and Psychological and Brain Sciences. Dr. Wilson’s first job was as a legislative affairs staffer for the Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission where he helped to pass the legislation that created the MLK Day of National Service. He also served as a senior statistical consultant and researcher at the Gallup Polling Organization in Washington, D.C. He served in the Army Reserves for 19 years. He received a BA in Government from Western Kentucky University and a Ph.D. in political science from Michigan State University.

Who or what inspired you to enter into public service?

I didn’t really know what “public service” was when I first started serving, but soon learned that many are called and few answer. I was inspired to enter public service by my undergraduate professors of government at WKU, like Dr. Saundra Ardrey, and later by academic leaders like Professor Don Kettl, and agenda heads such as Dr. Edward Perkins at the State Department. More recently, I’m inspired by leaders like Barack Obama, who give tirelessly to causes that benefit others.

What is your favorite class you have ever taught or taken, and why?

My favorite class that I’ve ever taught was “Public Opinion” because it introduced students to a new way to approach quantitative literacy while also understanding democratic practices. In terms of my favorite class taken, I would say I always enjoyed history classes like Western Civilization or WWII-era European history. We can learn so much about our current states of affairs by understanding the commitments of the past.

What advice would you give to those interested in pursuing public policy or public administration as a career?

I would advise those interested in public policy or administration careers to look beyond the stereotypes about “public” work and think about the idea of public purpose leadership. Be prepared for frustration and inexplicable procedures and practices, but also know that the impact of public work has tangible benefits, and it impacts the lives of others in ways that might not always be obvious. I tell all who listen that public policy is the hard work of democracy and public administration is the key to realizing and sustaining the outcomes of those efforts.

What area of public policy interests you the most and why?

I’m interested in a new field that we’re developing at Berkeley’s Goldman School called “Democracy Policy.” The public good calls for attention to economics, health, education, housing, crime, defense, technology, and social welfare; but what about democracy? There’s literally no explicit academic area of focus that examines those courses of action that sustain, suppress, or elevate the establishment of justice to ensure domestic tranquility. Voting and election, free speech and expression, citizenship (social and legal), group identity and justice, due process, federalism, and institutional trust all fit neatly into a field of public policy that does not exist yet. I’m interested in those public actions that strengthen our democratic values and practices.

What is your favorite cuisine?

Does a good Old Fashioned cocktail count? What about a fresh cup of coffee? If not, then I’ll go with desserts: dark chocolate with sea salt, cheesecake, and most baked goods that start with snicker and end with doodle.

What is your favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time?

I’m a road cyclist, so an exhausting 50- to 75-mile ride gives new meaning to the word “free.” Just getting lost and finding the fortitude to stay focused and make it home is pretty gratifying.

Who in your life has been an influential mentor or inspiration for you?

I’ve had many mentors in my life, but I tend to be inspired more by actions and people. I get inspired by those who give to things greater than themselves simply because it’s the right thing to do.

What was your dream job as a child?

I grew up at the very beginning of cable TV, and I wanted to be an ESPN broadcaster. Getting paid to just watch and talk about sports all day seemed like a perfect career. In my mind, I thought, “How hard could it be?” Later, I started WKU as a broadcasting major, which lasted all of one year after learning you can’t wing talking about sports. The rest is history. I became a professor. LOL.