Edella Schlager

Edella Schlager is the former director of, and currently a professor in, the School of Government and Public Policy. As director, Edella came to enjoy development and cares deeply about the School, the College and supporting and mentoring students. Alumni and donors play critical roles in working with faculty and staff to provide students with a range of opportunities and hands on experiences that better prepare them for their careers. 

Edella received her PhD in political science from Indiana University and has spent her career at the University of Arizona. As a professor, she teaches courses in environmental policy, and public management and policy. She maintains a robust research program focused on the governance and management of water, and how to better adapt to climate change impacts while continuing to provide people, farms, industries, and ecosystems with water of adequate quality to meet their needs.  Her research has been funded by the National Science Foundation, and she has published three books and dozens of journal articles and book chapters. Edella is a National Academy of Public Administration fellow and the University of Arizona recently recognized her as a Woman of Impact.