Robyn McDougle named interim dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs

Virginia Commonwealth University has appointed Robyn McDougle, Ph.D., as interim dean of the L. Douglas Wilder School of Government and Public Affairs, effective July 1.

For more than two decades, McDougle has helped shape the Wilder School's growth as a center for public service, research and policy leadership. As a faculty member, researcher, mentor and administrator, she has played a key role in expanding the school's reach across Virginia and strengthening its reputation as a trusted source of policy expertise.

"Dr. McDougle is an accomplished scholar and respected academic leader whose contributions have helped strengthen the Wilder School and its impact across the Commonwealth," said Arturo Saavedra, M.D., Ph.D., executive vice president and provost at VCU. "Her deep understanding of the school's mission, combined with her commitment to public service and student success, make her exceptionally well-positioned to lead the Wilder School during this important period of transition and continue its trajectory of growth and impact. I would also like to thank Dr. Gooden for her steady leadership of the school and look forward to continued collaboration in the future."

A VCU alum, McDougle earned her master's degree in criminal justice and doctorate in developmental psychology from VCU before joining the Wilder School faculty in 2004. Since then, she has served in several leadership roles, including director of the Public Safety Institute, interim director of the Commonwealth Policy Institute, faculty director of public policy outreach, director of the Center for Public Policy and, since 2021, associate dean of research and outreach.

"It is an honor to serve as interim dean of the Wilder School," McDougle said. "As both a VCU alumna and a longtime member of the Wilder School community, I care deeply about this institution and the people who make it special. For more than 30 years, the school has brought together research, teaching and public service to address real-world challenges and create opportunities for individuals and communities. I look forward to working alongside our faculty, staff, students, alumni, supporters and community partners as we build on that legacy and continue expanding our impact."

In her current role, McDougle oversees the school's centers and institutes, including the Center for Public Policy, the Survey and Evaluation Research Laboratory, the Research Institute for Social Equity, the Grace E. Harris Leadership Institute and the RVA Eviction Lab.

As associate dean for research and outreach, McDougle has helped guide the continued growth of the school's research enterprise. During her tenure, annual sponsored research funding increased from just over $2 million in 2021 to more than $8 million in 2025, while the school expanded partnerships with government agencies, nonprofit organizations and communities throughout Virginia. Her work has helped strengthen the Wilder School's role as a trusted source of research, evaluation and policy expertise.

McDougle also serves as director of the Wilder School Commonwealth Poll, which provides policymakers with an up-to-date snapshot of public opinion on current policy issues in Virginia.

McDougle's work has informed policy decisions on issues including public health, public safety, workforce development and social equity. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she helped develop Virginia's Plan for Equitable Vaccine Distribution and has served on the Virginia Crime Commission and the Virginia Board of Juvenile Justice. She has also spent more than 20 years teaching at the FBI National Academy.

McDougle succeeds Gooden, who will return to the faculty after eight years as dean. During Gooden's tenure, the Wilder School experienced transformational growth in national visibility, enrollment, research activity and community engagement, further strengthening its position as one of the nation's leading schools of public affairs.

"Robyn has been an exceptional partner throughout my tenure as dean and a driving force behind the Wilder School's most celebrated achievements," said Susan T. Gooden, Ph.D., dean and professor. "Her strategic vision, collaborative leadership, and unwavering commitment to our mission have elevated every facet of the school - significantly advancing our research enterprise, deepening community partnerships, and enriching the experience for our students, faculty, and staff. Robyn is an outstanding leader, and I have every confidence that the Wilder School will reach even greater heights under her leadership."

L. Douglas Wilder, the school's namesake, a distinguished professor and the 66th Governor of Virginia said McDougle "has devoted her career to advancing knowledge, informing public policy and serving the people of the commonwealth."

"Her scholarship, leadership and commitment to excellence have contributed significantly to the growth and stature of the Wilder School," Wilder said. "As interim dean, she brings the experience, judgment and vision necessary to continue the school's tradition of preparing leaders and addressing the public challenges of our time. I congratulate her on this appointment and wish her every success."

The Wilder School is nationally recognized for excellence in public affairs education, research and public service. Ranked No. 8 in Homeland Security, No. 21 in Local Government Management, No. 22 in Social Policy and No. 25 in Public Management and Leadership, the school offers a range of academic programs including criminal justice, homeland security and emergency preparedness, public administration, public policy and administration and urban and regional planning.

Additionally, the Wilder School is home to the Center for Public Policy, which provides applied research and services in state and local government, social equity, and leadership to clients in government, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and the general public. Through its academic programs, research centers and community partnerships, the Wilder School advances excellence in governance and promotes evidence-based public policy.