Dr. Beverly Bunch is a professor in the School of Public Management and Policy and also holds a one-third appointment in the Center for State Policy and Leadership. Beverly joined the university in 2001. She has worked on projects such as a program evaluation of a certification program for the Free School Lunch program, a book on Community Action (anti-poverty) local leaders, and a series of projects on state budgeting with the Volcker Alliance. Beverly holds a Ph.D. in Public Policy from Carnegie Mellon University and a Masters of Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University. On top of her academic work, she is active in the CSPL Social Committee and various community organizations. Beverly's passion for her work and positive energy with colleagues make her a wonderful member of CSPL!

Q: What do you like most about your job or what motivates you to wake up and go to work?

A: I am motivated by a desire to teach the current and next generation of government and nonprofit leaders and analysts. I enjoy helping students pursue their career aspirations and sharing my knowledge about public sector budgeting and financial management.

Q: What drew you to your current position?

A: After living in Texas for 10 years, I wanted to return to my home state of Illinois. I applied for jobs in Chicago, but ultimately chose UIS due to its location in the state capital and the applied research opportunities in the UIS Center for State Policy and Leadership. I also was thrilled that UIS was the home of NPR Illinois since I am a fan of public radio.

Q: What has been your favorite project thus far?

A: The highlight of my career ahs been working on state budgeting projects with the Volcker Alliance, a nonprofit organization founded by former Federal Reserve Chair Paul Volcker. The Volcker Alliance shares my passion for conducting research and disseminating the findings to help improve state budgeting policies and practices. My work with the Volcker Alliance has allowed me to reach a broader audience for my research and to work with public budgeting experts at the Alliance and universities across the nation. I have enjoyed directing a CSPL research team, funded by the Volcker Alliance, which includes my colleague Dr. Patricia Byrnes and student research assistants.

Q: If you could learn to do anything, what would it be?

A: I would like to learn how to write fiction. After spending a career writing research studies, I would like to switch gears at some point and write a mystery novel.

Q: What do you like to do when you are not working?

A: I play the French horn in three different bands, including the Capital Area Concert Band, the Trinity Wind Ensemble, and the 10th Cavalry Band (a Civil War re-enactment band)."

Q: What is something you learned just in the last week?

A: Through my work as Chair of the Program Committee for the Citizens Club of Springfield, I am constantly engaging with people in the Springfield community. Through our recent program on the Roles of the Arts in the Community, I learned about the many art events and programs in the Springfield area and the significant role they play in enriching our lives and boosting the economy.

Q: If you could choose anyone, who would you pick as your mentor?

A: I am a huge fan of NPR journalist and talk show hose Diane Rehm. She hosted The Diane Rehm Show for 37 years and is now the host of a podcast called On My Mind. She plays a significant role in helping her audience understand the complexities of public affairs issues, which is something I strive to accomplish. At the age of 87, Diane shows how someone can age with grace while still contributing to society.

Q: What's a fun fact about you that many people may not know?

A: I taught economics to undergraduate students in China during the summer of 2016. I am grateful to my colleague Dr. Junfeng Wang for making the arrangements, serving as my interpreter, and helping me learn about the culture and people of China. I also had the opportunity to help Dr. Wang bring two groups of Chinese students to UIS to help them learn about our governmental entities and nonprofit organizations.

Q: What is your motto or personal mantra?

A: One of my guiding principles is captured by the quote, "In a world where you can be anything - be kind" - Jennifer Dukes Lee

Q: Any favorite line from a movie?

A: "There's no place like home." - The Wizard of Oz