Darrell Lovell

Dr. Darrell Lovell is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Political Science and Director of the Master of Public Administration (MPA) Program at West Texas A&M University (WTAMU). He holds a D.P.A. in Public Policy and Administration from West Chester University (2018), an M.P.A. from the University of Colorado Denver (2011), and a B.S. in Political Science from the University of Central Missouri (2003). His research focuses on the intersection of public policy, administration, and higher education, particularly examining policy diffusion and implementation in areas such as NIL policies, test-optional admissions, and faculty roles as street-level bureaucrats.

• Education:
  • B.S. in Political Science, University of Central Missouri (2003)
  • M.P.A., University of Colorado Denver (2011)
  • D.P.A., West Chester University (2018)

Dr. Lovell’s research interests include policy diffusion mechanisms, administrative ethics, and the evolving role of faculty in higher education governance. His recent work has explored how NIL policies impact college athletics and institutional compliance structures, as well as the expansion of test-optional policies post-COVID-19. He has authored or co-authored over 20 peer-reviewed articles in journals such as Administration & Society, Public Integrity, and Innovative Higher Education.

He is currently on the editorial board of the Journal of Political Science Education and Public Integrity. In 2023, he received the Outstanding Intellectual Contribution Award from the Terry B. Rogers College of Education and Social Sciences.

Dr. Lovell’s teaching emphasizes active learning and simulation-based pedagogy, focusing on public policy analysis, ethics, and research methods. He mentors students on topics ranging from national security directives to identity laws and has advised WTAMU’s Attebury Honors Program.