William Hatcher, PhD, MPA

Chair of the Department of Social Sciences Augusta University

  • Augusta GA

Dr. William Hatcher focuses on public administration and social, economic and political institutions in local communities.

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2 min

Experts in the Media: With Kemp bowing out of mid-terms is Georgia staying blue?

Control of the Senate is key for most administrations, and with a razor-thin edge favoring the Republicans, any pickup to keep control of the Senate after the mid-term elections is a priority. However, with a heavy favorite in Gov. Brian Kemp stepping away from the chance to run for the GOP, many are speculating the once traditionally Republican stronghold could stay blue under the Democrats with the re-election of Sen. Jon Ossoff. It's a topic that has political watchers and media trying to cover and figure out as parties get ready to get back on the campaign trail for next year. It's also why journalists and news outlets like Newsweek are connecting with experts like William Hatcher, PhD, for expert opinion and perspective. An award-winning scholar, Hatcher is the chair of the Department of Social Sciences and a professor of political science. His research focuses on the connection between public administration and the development of local communities. Kemp's decision not to challenge Ossoff in the state's 2026 Senate race could be a boon to Democrats' chances of holding the seat in the battleground state, according to recent polls... Kemp's announcement follows months of speculation about whether he would challenge Ossoff, a Democrat first elected in 2020. Polls suggest Kemp would have been the strongest candidate against Ossoff and that other potential Republicans trail the incumbent senator in a hypothetical matchup. "Given that Kemp was perhaps the strongest candidate to face Ossoff, his decision to not run will make it difficult to find another candidate that would be as competitive. However, the election is over a year away, and in politics, a lot can happen in that amount of time," William Hatcher, chair and professor of social sciences at Augusta University, told Newsweek on Tuesday. A poll from the Atlanta Journal-Constitution found that Kemp led Ossoff by 3.3 points (49% to 45.7%), Ossoff led three other prospective challengers. That poll surveyed 1,426 respondents from April 24 to April 27, 2025, and had a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. Hatcher said the state Republicans face a "limited" bench to challenge Ossoff, but whoever prevails will eventually have to defend Trump's "unpopular economic policies that will most likely adversely affect states like Georgia, particularly his recent commentary on leveling tariffs on the film industry – a industry that has a significant presence in Georgia." May 06 Newsweek The race is obviously already on for the mid-term elections in November of 2026, and if you're a journalist looking to cover Georgia politics, let us help. William Hatcher, PhD, is available to speak with media simply click on his icon now to arrange an interview today.

William Hatcher, PhD, MPA

3 min

Think your city is ready for a cyber-attack? Think again according to our experts

There is no way around it; every day there are new cybersecurity threats to not only individuals, but governments at all levels as well. There have been some high-profile breeches that involve major cities like Atlanta and Baltimore. But those attacks are going to all levels, and recent research has shown most municipalities and cities are ill-prepared for cyberattacks. Research conducted by Donald Norris, PhD, and Laura Mateczun, JD, of the University of Maryland, Baltimore County along with William Hatcher, PhD, Wesley Meares, PhD, and John Heslen, PhD, of Augusta University, found various reasons why local governments struggle with cybersecurity. The research shows local governments recognize the need for cybersecurity but are not taking crucial next steps to ensure cybersecurity by integrating policies into daily management practices. Not just that, some local governments were unaware how often they were under cyberattack. Throw in budgetary constraints, and it leads local governments to be in a tough situation.  That, unto itself, is a major sticking point, but the burden could be lessened. “Effective cybersecurity is expensive and too much of a strain on the budgets of many cities and counties,” said Hatcher, chair of the Department of Social Sciences in Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences at Augusta University. “This is why we suggest regional solutions to the program, so multiple governments carry the cost.” Meares, associate professor and MPA director in Pamplin College, added it’s not just the financial aspect, but said there’s a shortage of cybersecurity talent nationwide, which compounded with limited budgets, makes it tough to compete. In the quest for talent between private and public sector, usually the private sector can offer more to entice a cybersecurity expert to come work for them. There’s also an issue of many local governments using dated technologies, which may be easier for cyber criminals to attack. “Local government is increasingly being more digitally connected, with vital infrastructure, data and services connected which creates more opportunities for cyber-attacks. Additionally, local governments tend to lag in updating critical technology due to limited resources (both human and financial resources),” added Meares. None of this comes as a surprise in the lack of cybersecurity training. “It’s an expensive service for local governments to provide. This is why we suggest more budgetary support for the training,” said Heslen, assistant professor in Pamplin College. “We’re also unsurprised because local governments often struggle to fund professional training in other areas.” But researchers say there are ways to improve upon safety of critical data most notably adopting dedicated cybersecurity budgets funded at an appropriate level in all local governments. Those resources can help address many limitations in local government cybersecurity programs, from staffing and hardware and software deficiencies to awareness training for all parties in local governments. They also recommend the adoption and implementation of cybersecurity policies to manage and regulate actions taken by all that affect the organization’s cybersecurity. By taking the recommended actions, local governments will have a better chance to provide high levels of cybersecurity and protect their information assets more effectively. This is an important topic and if you are a journalist looking to know more about the importance of being ready and able to react if and when a municipality comes under threat from a cyber-attack then let us help/. William Hatcher and John Heslen are both available to speak with media simply contact them now to arrange an interview today.

William Hatcher, PhD, MPAJay Heslen, PhD

2 min

With days to go, will politicians force a deal or face a federal shutdown?

Once again, the federal government is facing a shutdown, and it could threaten crucial federal workers and programs. If a new funding agreement is not reached by Sept. 30, numerous agencies could close and many would be forced to work without pay until the funds are appropriated. William Hatcher, PhD, chair of the Department of Social Sciences in Augusta University's Pamplin College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences, said a shutdown would affect all of us. This includes important reviews being done by the federal government, such as the Food and Drug Administration, down to national museums and parks being closed. It would affect a large portion of the population. With the deadline looming, the White House specifically mentioned the numerous agencies that could have services curtailed, and they did this for strategic reasons, according to Hatcher. “They are doing a public service by pointing out all that will be affected via a shutdown,” said Hatcher. “Scholars have said Americans are often theoretical conservatives about the size of government, but when it comes to practice, we support public programs, and many who may say they oppose government, when you start asking them about individual programs, they have a high level of support.” Hatcher added this is partisanship at play. “One party is actually historically the most likely to push these shutdowns, even going back to the federal shutdowns in the mid-1990s. And it has often caused political damage to the party because people really realize how much a shutdown affects them when these things happen,” said Hatcher. He added this hurts the effectiveness of the public sector, our trust in government and the overall condition of our democracy when basic work doesn’t happen. While putting temporary spending plans in place can solve some problems, having a long-term deal in place is ideal. “We should be passing budgets for at least an entire fiscal year, not stopgap measures for weeks or even days. However, there is a logic to this happening. The incentives in the Republican Party reward members of Congress, especially those in the House, from making deals and support the necessity of this government spending, which makes it difficult for agreements to come together.” It's going to be an interesting week, and if you're a journalist covering the looming shutdown, then let us help with your stories. Hatcher is a professor of political science and chair of Augusta University’s Department of Social Sciences. He is an expert in the areas of public administration and social, economic and political institutions. Hatcher is available to speak with media regarding this topic. To arrange an interview today, simply click on his icon now.

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Biography

An award-winning scholar, Hatcher is the interim chair of the Department of Social Sciences and an associate professor of political science. His research focuses on the connection between public administration and the development of local communities. Through his research, he tries to understand why public administration scholars and practitioners often have different views about the efficacy of certain administrative practices. His research has appeared in journals such as American Journal of Public Health, Journal of Public Affairs Education, Public Administration Quarterly, and The Review of Regional Studies. In the Department of Political Science, topics he teaches include public administration, public policy, public budgeting and finance, and community and economic development. He received his PhD from Mississippi State University in 2010.

Areas of Expertise

Public Administration
Public Policy
Community and Economic Development
Health Policy
Public Budgeting and Finance

Accomplishments

Co-editor-in-chief

Journal of Public Affairs Education

Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Award

An award presented by the Georgia Political Science Association.

H. George Frederickson PA Times Best Article Award

American Society for Public Administration

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Education

Mississippi State University

Doctorate

Georgia College & State University

Master's in Public Administration

Public Administration

Georgia College & State University

Bachelor's Degree

Political Science and Government

Affiliations

  • Phi Kappa Phi, National Honor Society
  • Pi Alpha Alpha, National Honor Society for Public Administration
  • Pi Sigma Alpha, National Honor Society for Political Science
  • American Society for Public Administration
  • Georgia Political Science Association

Media Appearances

Best car insurance in Georgia

WalletHub  online

2024-05-31

Why are car insurance laws so different from state to state?

In the United States, insurance regulation is often a state-level issue. This is the case in areas from healthcare to car insurance. When it comes to car insurance, the argument is that states regulate it best because of the differences in road conditions, traffic patterns, state fees, taxes, etc. Additionally, the issuing of driving licenses is a state-level issue, which makes it even more likely that the regulation of car insurance will continue to be mostly done by the states.

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Trust in government, and opportunities to rebuild it

Route Fifty  online

2024-02-22

"Trust in government is crucial in supporting a society where families and individuals can thrive,” says Justin Brown, former Oklahoma secretary of human services. “It lays the groundwork for effective policies that drive economic success and personal well-being.”

But that trust has been waning at the state and local level in recent years. As previously reported, about 45% of Americans have a less than favorable view of the trustworthiness of local governments. That’s somewhat up from 40% in 2017.
But Will Hatcher, chair of the department of social sciences at Augusta University, cautions that relying exclusively on public meetings may not engender universal trust. “It may be difficult for people in lower income groups to participate,” he says, “and that may make them less likely to trust in government. There’s a frustration in not being involved. When you expand public participation but don’t get it to as many people as possible, you’re empowering the people who already have power and potentially losing confidence from the rest.”

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Augusta University professor weighs in on S.C. Primary

WRDW  tv

2024-02-06

Republican presidential candidates Nikki Haley and Donald Trump are picking up the pace in South Carolina.

Nikki Haley, the former South Carolina governor, made a stop in Aiken on Monday and has more trips planned leading up to the republican primary, which is a little more than two weeks away.

Former President Donald Trump will be in Conway over the weekend.

Experts say you can’t understate the importance of the Palmetto State in this year’s campaign.

“From a practical standpoint, it would be very difficult in the Republican primary for somebody to beat former President Trump,” said Professor of Public Administration at Augusta University, Dr. William Hatcher.

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Answers

Why has Georgia seen a boom in the movie and television industry in the last 20 years?
William Hatcher, PhD, MPA

The main reason is tax incentives. That was a very targeted tax incentive that had a positive effect. Georgia basically said you produce your movies and films here, but there are certain rules to follow, such as having a certain percentage of your workforce be local, you'll receive those tax incentivies.

Are there other things other than tax breaks that companies look for when moving into a location?
William Hatcher, PhD, MPA

In luring businesses to invest in the state, companies look at several needs that include built infrastructure and human capitol. They also look at lifestyle choices in the immediate area where they want to locate. They look at what are the assets in the community? What are workers going to be doing after work? 

Why has Georgia's economy been so strong where they have had a surplus in tax revenues as compared to other southern states?
William Hatcher, PhD, MPA

Georgia's politicians have been more responsible in managing their budgets and investing in long-term development, and this goes back decades.

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Articles

NIL and Higher Education: An Exploration of the Early Impact of NIL on Fundraising and Competition in Universities and Athletic Departments

Journal of Intercollegiate Sport

Wesley Meares, PhD; Lance Hunter, PhD; Martha Ginn, PhD; William Hatcher, PhD

2024-11-08

While there has been a large amount of discussion by the media and government officials regarding the need for rules and regulations surrounding name, image, and likeness (NIL) in college athletics, to date, there is a lack of research on the effects NIL has on higher education fundraising. Thus, this study examines NIL's effects on university and athletic fundraising and fair competition among universities. In surveying chief financial officers and athletic department directors in Power and Non-Power universities, we aim to understand university officials’ perceptions regarding the early impact NIL is having on higher education. The survey results offer valuable guidance on the regulation of NIL to ensure that it benefits both universities and student-athletes.

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Academic burnout: This simple solution will cost leadership little

University Business

William Hatcher

2024-07-16

Academic burnout is a formidable challenge plaguing colleges and universities in the U.S. If left unaddressed, this issue could transform our institutions of higher education into “burnout shops” for faculty and students.

The implications of such a transformation are far-reaching, affecting not only the state of education and the quality of our economy but also the health of our democratic institutions, which rely heavily on an educated society. Furthermore, “burnout shops” in higher education are detrimental to the mental and also physical health and well-being of those learning and working in these organizations.

Experts suggest a simple solution to alleviate burnout: leadership faculty, and staff promoting compassion and belonging in our organizations. In other words, we simply need to be nicer to one another.

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Telework and Work Flexibility in the United States Federal Government Post-Pandemic

Sage Journals

Lance Y. Hunter, Martha Ginn, Wesley L. Meares, William Hatcher

2024-04-11

A decade before the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States (US) federal government was working to create flexible work environments for employees under the 2010 Telework Enhancement Act. Given this reality and the growing desire for greater flexibility of workers inspired by the “Great Resignation” during the pandemic, the US federal government appears to have recovered lost employees faster than other levels of the public sector. Still, given that federal workers skew older with less than a tenth of the workforce being under age 30 years and nearly a third reaching retirement age, a true crisis still looms in our administrative state. Using the 2021 Federal Employee Viewpoint Survey Data, we analyze what factors predict turnover intention post-pandemic, focusing the analysis on teleworking and other workplace flexibility policies. We use the findings to make recommendations to help increase employee recruitment and retention within the US federal government.

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