Dr. Susan Gaffney is a former Associate Professor of Public Administration/MPA Program Coordinator in the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History from Northern Illinois University, a Master of Public Administration from Governors State University, a Master of Arts in Geography from Chicago State University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Urban Planning and Public Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Dr. Gaffney taught courses in Research Methods, Public Planning, Urban Government, American National Government, Ethics for Public Administrators, Public Policy Analysis, Data Analysis, and the Graduate Capstone Course.

Before joining the Public Administration faculty, Dr. Gaffney held several nonprofit positions focused on serving the public. She served as Assistant Director of Admissions at Northern Illinois University, where she designed outreach and recruitment programs. Dr. Gaffney was also the Director of Employment and Training for the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Inc. (CEDA). She has conducted numerous workshops on customer service in the public sector, diversity in academia, city manager leadership, and organizational sustainability.

Teaching

Dr. Gaffney is an outstanding professor known for her dedication to her students. Her students describe her as knowledgeable and engaging. She often stays late or comes in early to help students with assignments, course material, and personal concerns. Dr. Gaffney encourages her students to excel and further their education, reflecting her pride in being both an MPA faculty member and a GSU MPA graduate.

Research

Dr. Gaffney's research includes customer service in the public sector, minority public administrators, the transition of ex-offenders into urban communities, property foreclosure initiatives by local municipalities, legislative over-criminalization affecting at-risk populations, and transitional housing for women and children. Her work has been published in the Journal of Practical Dispute Resolution, Business and Leadership, and Policy Profiles.

Service

Dr. Gaffney served as a faculty advisor for the Master of Public Administration Club and Program Coordinator and participated in numerous university committees. Her external service includes membership on the Cook County Board of Ethics (2020–2024).

Other

Licensed Real Estate Broker (2012–2026)