Rosemary O'Leary is Emerita Distinguished Professor at the University of Kansas and Emerita Distinguished Professor at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University. Her research focuses on public management, collaboration, conflict resolution, environmental and natural resources management, and public law. She is most acknowledged for her scholarship exploring dissent in public organizations, collaboration to improve public service, and the impact of courts on public administration.

Who or what inspired you to enter into public service?

I learned the importance of public service in a high school course titled “Current Events.” Every topic we covered from environment to poverty to housing to education had a strong public service component. I was hooked instantly.

What is the best course you've taken and/or taught?

The best course I ever took was NAPA Fellow David Rosenbloom’s Intellectual History of U.S. Public Administration class at the Maxwell School of Syracuse University as a PhD student.

The best course I ever taught might be Public Administration and Democracy when I was on the faculty of the Maxwell School. The course was designed by the great Dwight Waldo over 7 decades ago to help MPA students understand the tensions between bureaucracy and democracy. Many faculty at the Maxwell School have updated it brilliantly over the years including NAPA Fellows David Rosenbloom and Tina Nabatchi.

On second thought, the best course I ever taught might be Collaborative Public Management at Syracuse University, Indiana University, the University of Kansas and the University of Hong Kong. Students learn the skillset of the collaborative manager and then apply those skills in several simulations. It pushes the students to be analytical thinkers and team players while trying to solve society’s most pressing public policy problems.

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

This is the advice I received decades ago when I was a Presidential Management Fellow and it is still good today: Think of the person who has your dream job, and then get a job as close to that person as possible. For example, if your dream job is Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, work for the EPA (at a much lower level, of course) to learn about the agency culture, history, science, and management.

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

I have always been interested in environmental policy, ethics, and the impact of courts on public policy. Most recently, however, I am focusing on ethics and democracy, particularly how both presidential and judicial actions can make or break democracy.

What is your favorite cuisine?

Like Anthony Bourdain, I appreciate how street food in many countries is intertwined with, and closely reflects, the culture of that country. In an attempt to better understand the soul of a country, I always try the street food. My favorite street food is anything from the Philippines.

What is your favorite hobby or activity that you enjoy doing in your free time? When I was 22, I took a 3-week intensive National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS) course where we kayaked down much of the Baja peninsula. I have been hooked on ocean kayaking ever since. We recently moved to Cape Cod in Massachusetts so I could pursue my kayaking obsession.

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

I have been mentored by NAPA fellows David Rosenbloom, Patricia Ingraham, Barbara Romzek, Charlie Wise, Jim Perry, and Don Kettl to name a few. Each of these lovely human beings opened doors for me, critiqued my work, and helped me become better.

What was your dream job as a child?

I wanted to be an artist or the check-out lady at the grocery store.