Dr. Michelle Wade joined the Department of Public Policy and Administration at WCU
in 2013. She received a PhD in Political Science and a Graduate Certificate in Women’s
Studies from Southern Illinois University, where her training focused on Public Administration,
American Politics, and Gender & Politics. Prior to joining West Chester University,
she was an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Northwest Missouri State University.
Dr. Wade’s research interests focus on social equity in public policy and administration.
Her most recent commissioned technical report was a comprehensive assessment of the
status of women and girls in Chester County, Pennsylvania that can be used by community
leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers who want to improve the well-being of women
and girls in the county. The report was organized around the following topics related
to the quality of women’s lives: employment and earnings, work and family, poverty
and opportunity, health and well-being, reproductive rights, violence and safety,
and political participation. Her research has been published in Public Integrity, Politics, Groups, and Identities, American Politics Research, Advancing Women in Leadership Journal, and PA Times. She has also published several book chapters on gender and public policy.
Dr. Wade volunteers with several nonprofit organizations in Chester County and the
region. She currently serves as a member of the Grants Policy Committee for the Fund
for Women and Girls. She has previously volunteered with the Fund’s GirlGov program
(designed to increase civic engagement among girls) and Grants Allocation Committee.
Dr. Wade has also served as a grant reviewer for the United Way of Chester County
and the AstraZeneca HealthCare Foundation.
