Co-editor-in-chief

An award presented by the Georgia Political Science Association.

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

American Society for Public Administration

H. George Frederickson PA Times Best Article Award

Student Government Association at Eastern Kentucky University

Distinguished Education Leader Award, Excellent Student Support

Distinguished Education Leader Award, Outstanding Service

Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society

Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Administration

Pi Sigma Alpha, National Honor Society for Political Science

Georgia Political Science Association

Telework and Work Flexibility in the United States Federal Government Post-Pandemic

COVID-19 and 2020 presidential election speeches: A content analysis of pandemic campaign rhetoric

Surveys show US local governments must do more to address their cyber insecurity.

Local Government Cyber Insecurity: Causes and Recommendations for Improvement

The Curious Public Administrator

Using the Asset-Building Model of Development in Teaching the Politics of Community Development in Appalachia

From Compassionate Conservatism to Obamacare: Funding for the Ryan White Program During the Obama Administration

The Efficacy of Public Participation in Municipal Budgeting: An Exploratory Survey of Officials in Government Finance Officers Association's Award Winning Cities

Reflecting on over 100 years of public administration education

The career paths of the chief administrative officers of U.S. cities: a survey of city managers and content analysis of how they discuss their careers

Introduction to the symposium on international and comparative public administration education

Work-Life Balance in Higher Education

Community-level internet connectivity and mental health: an analysis of United States counties

Augusta University is Georgia's health sciences university and a national center for cyber security education. Home to the state’s only public academic medical center, Augusta’s world-class clinicians are bringing the medicine of tomorrow to patient care today. The university is comprised of nine colleges, including one of the nation's oldest medical schools, the Medical College of Georgia; the Hull College of Business; and the state's only dental school, the Dental College of Georgia.

Augusta University

An award-winning scholar, Hatcher is the interim chair of the Department of Social Sciences and an associate professor of political science. His research focuses on the connection between public administration and the development of local communities. Through his research, he tries to understand why public administration scholars and practitioners often have different views about the efficacy of certain administrative practices. His research has appeared in journals such as American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Public Administration Quarterly, and The Review of Regional Studies. In the Department of Political Science, topics he teaches include public administration, public policy, public budgeting and finance, and community and economic development. He received his PhD from Mississippi State University in 2010.

Public Administration

Public Policy

Community and Economic Development

Health Policy

Public Budgeting and Finance

News and press release archive for William Hatcher

Faculty Profile

Trust in government, and opportunities to rebuild it

Augusta University professor weighs in on S.C. Primary

What does the continuing resolution that the US government keeps open consist of?

Early Voting kicks off: WJCL 22 anchor Olivia Wile interviews Dr. William Hatcher about history

2016’s Best-Run Cities in America

How can diversity make us stronger?

MPA program receives prestigious accreditation

What happens when you value diversity? Success, for a start August 15, 2016by Nick Garrett

Can you really run a country like a business?

What will be Mike Johnson's first challenges as president of the US House of Representatives?

A whole slew of federal agencies could grind to a complete halt.

Here's what would happen if the government shuts down this week

President Donald Trump will celebrate 100 days in office Saturday. But one day shy of that milestone, he may see Washington and the rest of America’s government grind to a halt.
But with Republicans controlling Congress, the Senate and the Presidency – a standoff of this nature seems almost impossible.  There is almost guaranteed to be negative consequences publicly and financially – and to follow it through just doesn’t make any political sense.
So why?  Is it President Trump’s demand for a funded wall that he promised to be built along the Mexican border? Are there left-over aspects to the Affordable Care Act that have some members of the GOP divided? Other issues that have the GOP at a boiling point?
Or, is there a way out so each side can make a point but save face in the end?
Politics is seldom simple and almost always confusing.  That’s where the experts from Augusta University can help.
Dr. William Hatcher is the director of the Master of Public Administration program and an associate professor of political science. He is an expert in politics, policy and the relationships between different levels of government. 
Dr. Craig Albert is an assistant professor of political science and an expert in American politics and political philosophy.
Both are excellent speakers, have experience with all forms of national and local news organizations and are available to speak to media regarding this latest development in Washington. Click on Dr. Hatcher or Dr. Albert's icon to arrange an interview.

A Party Divided - Will Infighting Lead to a Government Shutdown in Washington Friday?

The fbi and department of homeland security are investigating a ransomware attack on the city of atlanta's network servers, city officials said thursday.

Ransomware attack hits city of atlanta

The ransomware attack that has held Atlanta’s computer systems hostage over the weekend is only one example of local governments becoming targets of cybercrime.

“This problem is likely going to get worse because local governments often do not have the resources for cybersecurity,” said Dr. William Hatcher, director of Augusta University's Master in Public Administration. “Public administration experts like myself are seriously concerned with cyberattacks like the one that just hit Atlanta occurring more often.”

In recent years, many local governments have reduced staff to a point where they are only providing the day-to-day services to their citizens, Hatcher said. Little is left for long-term planning like investing in cybersecurity technology and creating a cybersecurity crisis management plan.

Hatcher is available to discuss:
- Why are local governments not prepared to prevent and deal with cyberattacks like the ransomware that just hit Atlanta?
- Why should local governments expect these cyberattacks to happen more often?
- Why can local governments do to protect themselves and their citizens from cyberattacks?

Click on Dr. Hatcher's profile above to schedule an interview.

Why local governments should expect more cyberattacks like the one that just hit Atlanta

The research shows local governments recognize the need for cybersecurity but are not taking crucial next steps to ensure cybersecurity by integrating policies into daily management practices. Not just that, some local governments were unaware how often they were under cyberattack. 

are-local-governments-taking-cybersecurity-threats-and-steps-to-prevent-themselves-against-being-attacked

Are local governments taking cybersecurity threats and steps to prevent themselves against being attacked?


We should be passing budgets for at least an entire fiscal year, not stopgap measures for weeks or even days. However, there is a logic to this happening. The incentive in the Republican Party reward members of Congress, especially those in the House, from making deals and support the necessity of this government spending, which makes it difficult for agreements to come together.

why-should-a-longterm-deal-on-federal-spending-be-a-necessity

Why should a long-term deal on federal spending be a necessity? 


They are doing a public service by pointing out all that will be affected via a shutdown. Scholars have said Americans are often theoretical conservatives about the size of government, but when it comes to practice, we support public programs, and many who may say they oppose government, when you start asking them about individual programs, they have a high level of support. 

with-a-federal-shutdown-still-on-the-horizon-the-white-house-mentioned-numerous-agencies-that-could-have-services-curtailed-did-they-do-this-for-a-strategic-reason

With a federal shutdown still on the horizon, the White House mentioned numerous agencies that could have services curtailed, did they do this for a strategic reason?


think-your-city-is-ready-for-a-cyberattack-think-again-according-to-our-experts-

Chair of the Department of Social Sciences

Assistant Professor of Political Science, Cyber Institute faculty

There is no way around it; every day there are new cybersecurity threats to not only individuals, but governments at all levels as well. There have been some high-profile breeches that involve major cities like Atlanta and Baltimore.But those attacks are going to all levels, and recent research has shown most municipalities and cities are ill-prepared for cyberattacks.Research conducted by Donald Norris, PhD, and Laura Mateczun, JD, of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County along with William Hatcher, PhD, Wesley Meares, PhD, and John Heslen, PhD, of Augusta University, found various reasons why local governments struggle with cybersecurity.The research shows local governments recognize the need for cybersecurity but are not taking crucial next steps to ensure cybersecurity by integrating policies into daily management practices. Not just that, some local governments were unaware how often they were under cyberattack.Throw in budgetary constraints, and it leads local governments to be in a tough situation. That, unto itself, is a major sticking point, but the burden could be lessened.“Effective cybersecurity is expensive and too much of a strain on the budgets of many cities and counties,” said Hatcher, chair of the Department of Social Sciences in Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University. “This is why we suggest regional solutions to the program, so multiple governments carry the cost.” Meares, associate professor and MPA director in Pamplin College, added it’s not just the financial aspect, but said there’s a shortage of cybersecurity talent nationwide, which compounded with limited budgets, makes it tough to compete.In the quest for talent between private and public sector, usually the private sector can offer more to entice a cybersecurity expert to come work for them.There’s also an issue of many local governments using dated technologies, which may be easier for cyber criminals to attack.“Local government is increasingly being more digitally connected, with vital infrastructure, data and services connected which creates more opportunities for cyber-attacks. Additionally, local governments tend to lag in updating critical technology due to limited resources (both human and financial resources),” added Meares.None of this comes as a surprise in the lack of cybersecurity training.“It’s an expensive service for local governments to provide. This is why we suggest more budgetary support for the training,” said Heslen, assistant professor in Pamplin College. “We’re also unsurprised because local governments often struggle to fund professional training in other areas.”But researchers say there are ways to improve upon safety of critical data most notably adopting dedicated cybersecurity budgets funded at an appropriate level in all local governments. Those resources can help address many limitations in local government cybersecurity programs, from staffing and hardware and software deficiencies to awareness training for all parties in local governments.They also recommend the adoption and implementation of cybersecurity policies to manage and regulate actions taken by all that affect the organization’s cybersecurity.By taking the recommended actions, local governments will have a better chance to provide high levels of cybersecurity and protect their information assets more effectively.This is an important topic and if you are a journalist looking to know more about the importance of being ready and able to react if and when a municipality comes under threat from a cyber-attack - then let us help/.William Hatcher and John Heslen are both available to speak with media - simply contact them now to arrange an interview today.

Think your city is ready for a cyber-attack? Think again according to our experts 

with-days-to-go-will-politicians-force-a-deal-or-face-a-federal-shutdown

Once again, the federal government is facing a shutdown, and it could threaten crucial federal workers and programs. If a new funding agreement is not reached by Sept. 30, numerous agencies could close and many would be forced to work without pay until the funds are appropriated.William Hatcher, PhD, chair of the Department of Social Sciences in Augusta University's Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, said a shutdown would affect all of us. This includes important reviews being done by the federal government, such as the Food and Drug Administration, down to national museums and parks being closed. It would affect a large portion of the population.With the deadline looming, the White House specifically mentioned the numerous agencies that could have services curtailed, and they did this for strategic reasons, according to Hatcher.“They are doing a public service by pointing out all that will be affected via a shutdown,” said Hatcher. “Scholars have said Americans are often theoretical conservatives about the size of government, but when it comes to practice, we support public programs, and many who may say they oppose government, when you start asking them about individual programs, they have a high level of support.”Hatcher added this is partisanship at play.“One party is actually historically the most likely to push these shutdowns, even going back to the federal shutdowns in the mid-1990s. And it has often caused political damage to the party because people really realize how much a shutdown affects them when these things happen,” said Hatcher.He added this hurts the effectiveness of the public sector, our trust in government and the overall condition of our democracy when basic work doesn’t happen.While putting temporary spending plans in place can solve some problems, having a long-term deal in place is ideal.“We should be passing budgets for at least an entire fiscal year, not stopgap measures for weeks or even days. However, there is a logic to this happening. The incentives in the Republican Party reward members of Congress, especially those in the House, from making deals and support the necessity of this government spending, which makes it difficult for agreements to come together.”It's going to be an interesting week, and if you're a journalist covering the looming shutdown, then let us help with your stories.Hatcher is a professor of political science and chair of Augusta University’s Department of Social Sciences. He is an expert in the areas of public administration and social, economic and political institutions.Hatcher is available to speak with media regarding this topic. To arrange an interview today, simply click on his icon now.

With days to go, will politicians force a deal or face a federal shutdown?

politics-policy-and-public-safety-experts-explain-why-a-popular-atlanta-festival-was-canceled

A sad tune is being hummed in Atlanta, where it was announced the popular annual Music Midtown festival is not happening, possibly in part due to the state’s laws surrounding guns in public parks.The event's cancellation, which brought tens of thousands of music lovers to the city -- along with the tourism dollars they spend -- has caused disappointment and drawn local and national media coverage.Calling it a “sad day” for the city, Atlanta City Council President Doug Shipman wrote on Twitter that: “Public policy has real impacts and, in this case, economic and social implications on a great tradition.”And state Democrats chastised Republicans for adopting a raft of pro-gun legislation, including a 2022 law that allows Georgians to carry concealed handguns without first getting a license from the state.The governor, who is seeking a second term, did not immediately comment on the festival’s decision. But state Rep. Rick Jasperse, a Jasper Republican who sponsored the 2014 law, said the measure is designed with public safety in mind.He said those intent on “causing chaos and crime in Georgia” won’t care if the festival bans firearms and would try to bring them in regardless.“Good Georgians who can qualify for a permit and carry a weapon do so to protect themselves from that element in our society,” he said.  -- The Atlanta Journal Constitution, Aug. 1, 2022Organizers of events like Music Midtown could look at Georgia’s gun laws and regulation of firearms as a potential legal liability. If there is a firearms incident, organizers may fear being held legally accountable and sued for any potential damages. The companies and their risk management advisors might think twice about holding large events in Georgia. Augusta University's Dr. William Hatcher, an expert when it comes to public administration and social, economic and political institutions in local communities, agrees that event organizers might be rethinking their plans in the state."Yes. I think so. These types of laws have an impact on the economy and the business decisions of firms. We may see future effects on the economic behavior of individuals and firms."This topic could have further economic impact beyond canceled events, including affecting property values and home prices. If you're a journalist looking to know more, then let us help with your stories.Dr. William Hatcher is a professor of political science and chair of Augusta University’s Department of Social Sciences. He is an expert in the areas of public administration and social, economic and political institutions.Hatcher is available to speak with media regarding this topic. To arrange an interview today, simply click on his icon now. 

Politics, policy and public safety: Experts explain why a popular Atlanta festival was canceled

Dr. William Hatcher, director of Augusta University's Master of Public Administration Program, discusses why it's important for today's - and tomorrow's - public administrators to have cultural competency training.

3Qs with William Hatcher on diversity in Augusta's MPA program

Dr. William Hatcher, MPA director, sat down with the Jagwire team to talk about the feasibility of running a country like a business. Turns out, you can't. Watch to find out why.

3Qs with Dr. William Hatcher on running a country like a business

Navigating the challenges of midterms and powering through the semester can be a daunting task for students. In this enlightening video, we bring you valuable insights and expert advice on mental health and self-care practices to help students not only survive but thrive academically and emotionally.

Learn more about Student Counseling and Psychological Services: https://www.augusta.edu/counseling/

This video was produced and created by the corporate video team in Communications & Marketing at Augusta University.



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