Dr. Lael Keiser Awarded Prestigious John Gaus Award for Contributions to Public Administration and Political Science
Columbia, MO - Dr. Lael Keiser, a distinguished professor of Public Affairs at the University of Missouri, has been honored with the 2024 John Gaus Award. This prestigious accolade, presented by the American Political Science Association (APSA), recognizes outstanding contributions to the field of public administration and political science.
The John Gaus Award, named after the influential scholar John Merriman Gaus, is one of the highest honors in the field. It is awarded annually to individuals who have made significant impacts through both research and teaching, embodying the spirit of interdisciplinary scholarship that Gaus championed.
Dr. Keiser has been a prominent figure in public administration, with her research focusing on policy implementation, representation, equity, , and the interplay between politics and bureaucracy. Her work has been widely recognized for its depth and impact, particularly her studies on the effectiveness of public policies and the role of public servants in shaping outcomes.
"Receiving the John Gaus Award is a tremendous honor," said Dr. Keiser. “I am truly grateful to be part of a community committed to advancing research on public administration and political science. I have drawn inspiration from the remarkable work at the intersection of these fields and feel fortunate to have collaborated with such outstanding scholars.”
Dr. Keiser's contributions extend beyond research; she is also a dedicated educator and mentor. At the University of Missouri, she has inspired countless students to pursue careers in public service and has played a key role in shaping the next generation of scholars in the field.
“Professor Keiser has a long and very distinguished career of scholarship in political science and public administration,” said Dr. Drury Cooper, Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Missouri. “Her impact on these fields has changed for the better how we understand the workings of government. That impact will continue through the next generation as students learn from and advance research in political science and public administration.”
As the recipient of the John Gaus Award, Dr. Keiser will deliver a lecture at the upcoming APSA Annual Meeting, where she will share insights from her career and discuss future directions for research on bureaucracy and democracy in the age of AI Previous award winners include Daniel Carpenter (Harvard University), Francis Berry (Florida State University), and Christopher Hood (University of Oxford).
The University of Missouri and the broader academic community celebrates her recognition and Dr. Keiser's enduring contributions to the field.
About the John Gaus Award
The John Gaus Award is named in honor of John Merriman Gaus, a pioneering scholar in the field of public administration and political science. The award is presented annually by the American Political Science Association to recognize a lifetime of exemplary scholarship in these fields.
About Dr. Lael Keiser
Dr. Lael Keiser is a Professor of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri. Her research interests include public policy, policy implementation, social equity, and the relationship between politics and bureaucracy. She is a highly regarded educator and mentor, having made significant contributions to through research and education.