L. Christopher Plein

L. Christopher Plein, Ph. D. is an Eberly Professor of Outstanding Public Service at West Virginia University. He served as chair of the Department of Public Administration from 2004 until 2011 and also serves as an Associate Dean for West Virginia University’s Eberly College of Arts & Sciences.

Christopher Plein’s area of speciality is public policy formation and implementation. Recently, his research has concentrated on the study of social programs, with a special emphasis on the effects of welfare reform and state health policy. Professor Plein’s research has reached national audiences through numerous publications and presentations. Dr. Plein also studies public administration and policy in West Virginia. He is co-author of the recently published book, West Virginia Politics and Government (University of Nebraska Press, 2008).

Dr. Plein has been active in university outreach and engagement in West Virginia. In 2004, he was appointed by Governor Wise to serve on the board of directors for the newly established AccessWV state health insurance program which provides health coverage to those with high-risk health conditions. He continues to serve in this role and also provides service to various government committees dealing with the problems of the medically uninsured in the state.