Faculty Spotlight: Wesley Meares, PhD

Recipient of the Outstanding Faculty for Pamplin College of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences Award

Augusta University’s dual focus on research and students is what sold Wesley Meares, PhD, on the university after he received his doctorate degree. A decade later, that focus is what continues to drive him. 

Meares is the program director of the Master of Public Administration and a professor of Public Administration and Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences in the Pamplin College of the Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences.  

“I really enjoy working with the MPA students, whether it is a community-based applied project, having a student join me on a research project, or in my role as an adviser and helping them through the program,” he said. “I also really enjoy conducting research.” 

This year has been full of big achievements for Meares. In addition to receiving the Outstanding Faculty Award for Pamplin, he was also promoted to professor. 

“(Receiving the award) means a lot to me. We have amazing faculty in Pamplin, and to be selected for this award just shows my work has been appreciated and valued,” said the Pine Mountain, Georgia, native. “It’s been a really exciting year.” 

Meares is hopeful more exciting years are to come. 

“I want to continue to grow as a teacher and a researcher,” he said. “I also really enjoy directing the MPA program. We are recognized as one of best graduate programs in public affairs by US News and World Report. I would want to continue to further the impact of the program.”