L. Christopher Plein, Ph. D., an Eberly Professor of Outstanding Public Service at West Virginia University, can address issues surrounding the public health care option. He is chair of the Division of Public Administration and also serves as an assistant dean for WVU’s Eberly College of Arts & Sciences.

Dr. Plein’s area of specialty is public policy formation and implementation. Recently, his research has concentrated on the study of social programs, with a special emphasis on the effects of welfare reform and state health policy. Plein’s research has reached national audiences through numerous publications and presentations. Dr. Plein also studies public administration and policy in West Virginia. He is co-author of the recently published book, “West Virginia Politics and Government” (University of Nebraska Press, 2008).

Plein has also been active in university outreach and engagement in West Virginia. In 2004, he was appointed by Governor Wise to serve on the board of directors for the newly established AccessWV state health insurance program which provides health coverage to those with high-risk health conditions. He continues to serve in this role and also provides service to various government committees dealing with the problems of the medically uninsured in the state.

Plein has also been actively engaged in community development efforts in rural West Virginia. He is a founding member of the West Virginia Community Design Team which organizes teams of volunteers that visit and assist rural communities in identifying community development needs and opportunities. Since 1997, this program has made over 30 visits to communities in the state. Plein has been a member of a team member on a number of these visits and serves on the program’s steering committee.

In 2006, Plein’s outreach contributions were recognized by WVU when he was named an Eberly Professor of Outstanding Public Service.

L. Christopher Plein holds a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Missouri – Columbia, a Master of Arts in political science from East Tennessee State University, and a Bachelor of Arts from Emory & Henry College.

To interview Plein about the public health care option, call 304-293-7974 or email Chris.Plein@mail.wvu.edu. He may also be reached through Rebecca Herod at the Eberly College of Arts & Sciences at 304-293-7405 ext. 5251 or Rebecca.Herod@mail.wvu.edu.