Richard A. Wandling
Professor of Political Science
Coleman Hall 2331
Department of Political Science
Eastern Illinois University
Charleston, IL 61920
Tel: (217) 581-8418
Fax: (217) 581-2926
E-mail: rawandling@eiu.edu
Dr. Wandling (Ph.D., Miami University) teaches primarily in the areas of public administration; state government and politics; and cities and urban politics/policy. Courses taught in recent years include: Introduction to State and Local Government (PLS 2603); Government Budgeting and Politics (PLS 4893); Cities, Politics and Urban Policy (PLS 5153); and Subnational Government (PLS 5163). He also is part of the rotation of departmental faculty teaching the 1 credit hour course on Introduction to Political Science Research Methods (PLS 2001).
His current research agenda focuses on energy and environmental policy, and he is particularly interested in media framing of energy/environmental policy debates, issues and processes. Recent publication activities include a chapter on Rationality and Rational Choice for a Sage Publications handbook on 21st Century Political Science and a forthcoming entry on Tax Expenditures in the second edition of Sage’s Encyclopedia of Housing. Another research project examines alternative ways of framing the political and policy debates over public sector pensions.
Service activities include a recent term as President of the Illinois Political Science Association and ongoing work to support that professional organization. Dr. Wandling also is the faculty advisor for EIU’s Political Science Association, a registered student organization for political science majors, minors and any university student interested in politics and government.
Applied experience in the political arena includes serving as a precinct committee person for a political party; chairing the Committee on Political Action and Legislation of Eastern Illinois University’s chapter of the University Professionals of Illinois (IFT Local 4100); and chairing regional PAC meetings of the Illinois Federation of Teachers. Professor Wandling has been a member of advisory committees to city government, having served on the Government Structures Committee of the Charleston Tomorrow planning initiative and the Ad Hoc Home Rule Committee for the City of Charleston. He also has been active in non-profit organizations at the decision-making and policy-making levels, including previous service as President of the Board of Directors of Coles County's Habitat for Humanity affiliate and the Board of Directors of the Charleston Community Day Care Center.
