William A. Foley, Jr.

William A. Foley, Jr. is a Senior Lecturer Emeritus at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University Indianapolis. He has held adjunct roles at King’s College, London, and the Center for International Educational Exchange since 2014, while also contributing to the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomacy Laboratory Program since 2015. His work integrates academic research with practical applications in emergency management, national security, and public safety. Foley retired from the U.S. Army as a Colonel after 36 years of service, including distinguished roles in Vietnam, NATO operations, and homeland security planning.

Education:

• Ph.D., American History and American Studies, Indiana University (2005)
• Diploma in Advanced Graduate Study (National Security and Leadership), U.S. Army War College (1998)
• M.A., Indiana University (1971)
• B.A., Indiana University (1969)

Research Interests: Foley specializes in emergency management strategies, national security doctrine, and public safety policy. His work bridges historical analysis and contemporary challenges, focusing on interdisciplinary solutions for homeland defense, WMD response protocols, and institutional preparedness. He has pioneered pandemic planning frameworks and collaborated with law enforcement agencies on critical infrastructure protection initiatives. His teaching emphasizes linking academic theory to real-world crisis management scenarios.

Awards & Recognition:

• Emmy Award (2011)
• National Recognition for DLP Project (2021)
• IUPUI Teaching and Engaged Learning Award (2020)
• Multiple state/federal security-related accolades

Advising & Grants:

• Directed 8+ Diplomacy Lab Program research projects (2015–present)
• Completed 4 major public safety studies for Indiana University Police Department
• Recipient of grants supporting international educational exchange programs

Labs & Teams: Active participant in the Department of State’s Diplomacy Lab Program and the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Regional Interagency Steering Committee. Collaborates with multi-agency teams on national-level exercises and security initiatives.