First 100 plus Days of Trump Administration

Professor Merrifield joined the faculty in 1987.  His scholarly interests include executive leadership in politics and public budgeting politics, particularly at the local level.  In the former he is interested in how personal behavior and personal relationships may impact on policy success.  In the latter area he has looked at how localities may alter policy priorities to pursue revenue, and in other cases subsidize certain economic sectors even when these subsidies may not benefit the community.  In the past Merrifield provided analysis on elections, policy making and public institutions, for local, regional, state and national media.  He has traveled throughout the United States and in much of Europe.  This travel has informed both his teaching and his scholarly interests.  Merrifield teaches courses in American government, modern political ideas, quantitative research methods and public administration.  He is currently enrolled in the Faculty Early Retirement Program.