Travis Bland

Travis Bland is the Interim Dean of the College of Health, Science, and Technology (CHST) at the University of Illinois System and an Associate Professor in the School of Public Management and Policy. He holds a Ph.D. in Public Administration and Policy from Virginia Tech. His research focuses on front-line behavior, social welfare policy, behavioral science, and ethics within public administration. He has published extensively on topics such as employee engagement, trauma-informed HR practices, and organizational innovation.

Dr. Bland teaches courses including Advanced Public Management, Public Sector Human Resource Management, and Strategic Planning and Management. His work emphasizes practical applications of public policy and organizational strategies. He is also actively involved in community initiatives, serving as a faculty advisor for the Christian Student Fellowship and volunteering at West Side Christian Church.

His research spans diverse areas, including the effectiveness of VA Healthcare in veteran reintegration, housing affordability barriers, and the impact of public sector management practices on employee performance. He has contributed to books such as Community Action Leaders: Rooting out Poverty at the Local Level and peer-reviewed journals like Public Management Review and Public Integrity.

Dr. Bland’s publications reflect a commitment to understanding and addressing systemic disparities, ethical governance, and the intersection of human resources with organizational health. His work bridges theoretical insights with real-world public sector challenges.