Public Administration and American Studies

All students accepted into the Ph.D. program in Public Administration offered by the School of Public Affairs at Penn State Harrisburg automatically receive membership in the Doctoral Student Organization (DSO). Beginning Fall 2009, the DSO has expanded to include the doctoral students enrolled in the Ph.D. Program in American Studies offered by the School of Humanities.

The DSO provides opportunities to share experiences and learn from other students in various stages of their doctoral studies. Supplemental programs organized by the DSO, such as discussion groups, presentations, and guest speaker lectures, enhance the educational experience.

The DSO recognizes that most students are incredibly busy balancing studies, work, and personal lives. Therefore, this organization has a virtual focus, utilizing email and the Internet to keep students linked. Activities are geared to supporting students in their studies and are normally scheduled between 5 pm and 6 pm on weekdays.

DSO Board, 2011-12 Academic Year:

President:             Chuck Breslin (Public Administration Program)
Vice-President:   Jim McMahon (American Studies Program)
Treasurer:            Brant Ellsworth (American Studies Program)
Secretary:            Debrah Krauss (Adult Education Program)
Faculty Advisor:  Dr. Aaron Wachhaus – taw203@psu.edu

The email addresses are provided for the Penn State community and for individuals who have specific academic-related interest in contacting the DSO members. Any solicitation of business, information, contributions or other response from the DSO members by mail, telephone, email, or other means is forbidden.