Joseph Trainor named Biden School dean

Joseph Trainor, a member of the University of Delaware academic community since 2002, has been named dean of the University of Delaware's Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration, Interim Provost Bill Farquhar announced today. Trainor's appointment is effective immediately.

Trainor - a professor of public policy who earned his master's and doctoral degrees from UD - has served as interim dean for the Biden School since March 2024.

"Dr. Trainor is deeply committed to the faculty, students and staff of the Biden School, and brings this passion into his work. I look forward to our continued work in advancing the Biden School's reach and impact," said President Laura Carlson.

Reporting to Farquhar, Trainor will be a part of the senior administrative team for the University, responsible for the leadership and advancement of the Biden School. Named in 2018 for UD's most distinguished alumnus, the 46th president of the United States, the school prepares students with the knowledge and skills necessary to engage in research and public service activities to improve the quality of life in communities around the world. It ranked 25th in the 2026 Best Graduate Schools by U.S. News & World Report, putting it within the top 10% of similar schools.

"As a scholar and an administrator, Dr. Trainor has consistently shown his dedication to the success of the Biden School," Farquhar said. "He brings a strong vision and a collaborative leadership style, which will serve the school well as it continues to grow in prominence."

Trainor said he is grateful to be serving the University as the Biden School dean.

"The Biden School is full of amazing people who are determined to make the world healthier, more equitable and more resilient through better public policy and administration," Trainor said. "I'm honored to be working alongside them as we begin this next chapter for the Biden School and the University of Delaware."

About Joseph Trainor

Trainor graduated cum laude from Millersville University with bachelor's degrees in sociology and psychology. At UD, he earned a Master of Arts in sociology (2004) and a doctorate in sociology (2009).

He joined the faculty of the Biden School in 2009 and has served in multiple administrative roles, including director of the disaster science and management programs, director of doctoral studies, associate dean of academic affairs, deputy dean and most recently as interim dean.

Since 2009, he has been a core faculty member in the Disaster Research Center at UD, where his research has focused on the human dimensions of disaster mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. He has co-authored two books, 45 articles and multiple book chapters, research reports, presentations and other scholarly works. He has mentored dozens of students.

His public service work has included partnerships with numerous agencies related to risk and emergency management, including the National Weather Service, the Federal Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Homeland Security, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, the Delaware Emergency Management Agency, and various state and local emergency management agencies.