Professor Michael Peddle Announces Retirement

Associate Professor Michael Peddle announced his retirement from the Department of Public Administration effective at the end of the spring semester. Professor Peddle has taught a variety of classes including public finance and financial management, economic development policy, research methods, and program evaluation. His research focused on local and regional economic development tools and policies, growth management policy, government's role in education, local public finance and financial management. He also directed the annual Illinois Policy Survey for several years.

In addition to teaching at NIU, Peddle has held many service and administrative positions such as Senior Faculty Research Associate at the Center for Governmental Studies, Assistant Chair and Acting Chair of the Department of Political Science, and Associate Dean for Academic Administration for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Students in the MPA program have benefitted greatly from Professor Peddle’s knowledge of public finance and his practical experience working with municipalities. As described by MPA student Matthew Pasquini, “Dr. Peddle was committed to making sure his students understood the intricacies of public finance and his teaching will leave an impact on a generation of managers in local government to come. “

“One of the best things about Dr. Peddle’s class was his ability to take incredibly complex and difficult topics and break it down. On top of this, Dr. Peddle’s quick wit and quirky sense of humor made for an engaging class and there was never a dull moment!" said another MPA student, Jacob Litz.

In addition to sharing his knowledge of finances with MPA students and alums, Peddle also made his mark on the department by starting the MPA Annual Golf Play Day Event. This event has been instrumental in raising funds for students and faculty research. Dr. Peddle has been a fixture on the golf committee for the past 22 years, and there is no expectation to retire him from that position.

The Department of Public Administration is holding a reception in his honor on Thursday, May 16, at the Village Links of Glen Ellyn from 5:30 – 7:30 pm.

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