The Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) employs a permanent staff along with project associates in the field. Faculty and graduate assistants also provide research assistance, and the Center partners with content experts from other academic units at Wichita State University.
Morgan Barnes Program Manager
morgan.barnes@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6535
Morgan Barnes provides support and assistance with professional development, community
service and programming for the Public Policy and Management Center by delivering
professional trainings and conference planning. Prior to joining Wichita State, Morgan
worked in higher education in several capacities but always with the same goal: helping
people change their story and make a difference. Morgan received her bachelor's degree
from Wichita State University in Integrated Marketing Communication.
Misty Bruckner Director
misty.bruckner@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6527
Misty Bruckner leads the programs and staff of the Public Policy and Management Center.
For more than 20 years, she has served in various public service capacities including
as the City of Wichita's Assistant to the City Manager and Neighborhood Services Director.
Misty was recipient of the Excellence in Public Service Award from the City of Wichita
and Bronze Medal Award for Public Service from the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office.
She holds a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University.
Lisa Dodson Research and Program Evaluation Manager
lisa.dodson@wichita.edu | (316) 978-3126
Lisa Dodson served as a Project Associate for the Public Policy and Management Center
for three years before joining the team full-time in 2016. As Research and Program
Evaluation Manager for the PPMC, she provides program management, evaluation, consulting
and research services. Prior to joining Wichita State, she owned an independent consulting
firm and held roles at Kansas State University Institute for Academic Alliances, Kansas
African American Museum and Tabor College. Lisa earned a M.Econ. and M.Ed., both from Wichita State University.
Paula Downs Talent and Professional Services Manager
paula.downs@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6678
Paula Downs joined the Public Policy and Management Center in 2012 with more than
25 years of experience in the public sector, 13 of those as a project manager. In
her current role, she oversees special projects; develops and delivers training on
a wide range of topics; and assists local governments and nonprofits with board trainings,
strategic planning, facilitation services and professional development. In addition,
Paula has spent the last several years involved in community engagement efforts including,
stakeholder interviews, focus group facilitation, survey development, citizen feedback
sessions, and developing and utilizing tools that increase participation around identified
topics. Paula holds a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University.
Abigail Hammack Program Manager
abigail.hammack@wichita.edu
With 6 years of professional digital communications experience, Abigail leads the
marketing and communications efforts for the Public Policy & Management Center. She
also provides program support to all departments. Abigail started working with the
PPMC in July 2019 as a Graduate Research Assistant before joining the team full-time.
Prior to her role at Wichita State, she served as a Management Intern with the City
of Andover. Before returning to Kansas to continue her education, she was the Director
of Marketing & Communications for a regional economic development organization in
Blacksburg, Virginia. Abigail holds a Bachelor of Arts in Public Relations from Kansas
State University and a Master of Public Administration from WSU.
Angeline Johnson Community Development Manager
angeline.johnson@wichita.edu
Angeline Johnson leads community development efforts for the Public Policy and Management
Center by working to engage in diverse initiatives that drive and influence change.
She is responsible for developing, implementing and directing project/program initiatives
primarily for nonprofits, local, state and federal constituents related to community
engagement, strategic planning, organizational assessments, planning and facilitation.
Angeline Johnson is a scholar and practitioner with more than 25 years of experience
in community and economic development. Angeline holds a B.A. in Geography and an MPA
in Public Administration from The University of Toledo, as well as a Master’s in Planning
from the University of Southern California. Angeline is currently pursuing her Ph.D.
in Spatially Integrated Social Sciences at The University of Toledo, where she is
focusing her research on quality of life disparities related to race and ethnicity,
housing, income, and class.
Sarah Shaffer Business Manager
sarah.shaffer@wichita.edu | (316) 978-6526
Sarah Shaffer provides operational management and program evaluation support at the
Public Policy and Management Center. Prior to her role at Wichita State, she was a
Senior Accountant in the Division of Finance at Sedgwick County. Sarah’s passion for
public service can be recognized in her previous work experience, including as English
as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator for the Valley Center School District, Research
Assistant for University of Kansas School of Medicine-Wichita, Psychosocial Group
Coordinator for Mental Health Association of South-Central Kansas, and Children’s
Education Specialist for Kansas Children’s Service League. Sarah holds BA and MA degrees
in Sociology from Wichita State University.
The Public Policy and Management Center (PPMC) is housed within Strategic Engagement and Planning at Wichita State University.
Office hours: Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Physical address:
Lindquist Hall, 3rd Floor
Map to Lindquist Hall
Visitor Parking at WSU
Mailing address:
Wichita State University
Public Policy and Management Center
1845 Fairmount St.
Wichita, Kan. 67260-0211
