David Bell

David Bell is a Clinical Associate Professor at the Paul H. O'Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs, Indiana University, where he joined in 2019. He serves as program director for the Spring Break Abroad program in South Korea, teaching Energy, Environment, and Social Innovation.

His academic credentials include:

• Ph.D. in Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh
• MPA with Nonprofit Management focus, University of Pittsburgh
• B.S. in Public Affairs Management, Michigan State University
• A.A., Lansing Community College

Dr. Bell's research centers on public administration, nonprofit management, and international development, with specific expertise in governance, public law, leadership accountability, entrepreneurship in developing economies, and cross-sector collaboration. His work investigates how public and nonprofit organizations navigate resource constraints, implement effective leadership, and foster partnerships to address complex societal issues like opioid crises and racial inequity.

His publications demonstrate consistent focus on international aid effectiveness, nonprofit funding strategies, and policy responses to systemic challenges. Key trends include analyzing how evaluation practices influence capital flows in development, examining nonprofit adaptation during public health emergencies, and exploring organizational behavior in bureaucratic contexts—particularly in developing economies and U.S. public safety initiatives.

Dr. Bell has secured competitive research funding, including a $124,000 grant from the City of Savannah to evaluate a DOJ-funded opioid diversion program. He actively contributes to professional communities through memberships in ASPA, ARNOVA, and the Conference of Minority Public Administrators.

With prior teaching appointments at Savannah State University and the University of Pittsburgh, plus executive experience in human services and banking sector nonprofits, he bridges academic research with practical public service delivery.