Kris Norman

Kris Norman is a Professor of Public Administration at Hamline University, serving as Program Director for the Certified Public Manager Program (CPAL), Master of Nonprofit Management (MNM), and Master of Public Administration (MPA) programs. She teaches in both the MPA and Doctorate in Management and Public Service (DMPS) programs at the St. Paul Main Campus, with emphasis on public policy and social policy.

Her educational background includes:

• PhD in Political Science from Vanderbilt University
• MA in Public Affairs from the Humphrey School at the University of Minnesota
• BA in Political Science and Business Administration from Hamline University

Professor Norman's research focuses on cultural competency and social equity in public administration, examining how these principles integrate into public service delivery. She co-edited the book Cultural Competency for Public Administrators with Susan Gooden and has published multiple articles exploring equity frameworks in governmental operations. Her work bridges academic theory with practical public sector implementation.

With prior experience at the MN Public Utilities Commission, St. Paul Public Works Department, and Minnesota Department of Education, she incorporates real-world governance challenges into her teaching. Her pedagogical approach emphasizes theory-to-practice learning, critical thinking development, and active student engagement. She maintains that effective education equips students with immediately applicable tools while fostering independent analytical questioning.