Global Insight, Meaningful Change: Professor Sheying Chen’s Vision for Public Administration at Pace

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Professor Sheying Chen, PhD, has brought a global perspective and decades of research to the Master of Public Administration (MPA) program at Pace, recently recognized by the US News & World Report’s rankings as a Best Graduate Public Affairs School.

At the heart of Chen’s work is a deep commitment to the belief that public policy should ultimately serve people, and especially those most vulnerable in society. This passion fuels his interest in addressing complex issues on aging populations, healthcare access, diversity and leadership, and the relationship between economic development and social wellbeing.

His interdisciplinary work bridges theory and practice, helping Pace students understand complex societal challenges while preparing them to lead meaningful change.

“Today, the world is at a profound crossroads. My research is therefore urgently focused on providing the clarity and vision needed to navigate this moment,” he said.

Advancing Public Policy for a Changing World

A cornerstone of Chen’s research is his pioneering work in General Public Policy (GPP) analysis, a framework that examines how nations evolve in their policy priorities. Particularly, his concept of the “Economic State in Transition” offers a powerful lens for understanding China’s modern history by showing how the state has zigzagged along a phase‑shifting GPP trajectory, moving through cycles of upheaval and renewal—from the Cultural Revolution to the Open‑Door and Reform era and into today’s unsettled “Post‑Economic State” period.

Chen’s research challenges traditional paradigms that have long dominated international policy discussions, mainly a narrow focus on the “welfare state,” introducing a broader, more nuanced analytical approach (e.g., the “Problem-GPP-ism” Triple Prism) that allows scholars and policymakers alike to better understand diverse development paths across countries against non/anti-development GPP patterns (e.g., the “warfare state”).

For Pace students, this means that they are equipped with the tools to understand the "why" behind policy. They are thus prepared to be strategic thinkers who can assess a government's core priorities and anticipate the societal impacts of major policy shifts from vital balances against all forms of extremist trends.

Addressing Global Challenges in Aging and Community Care

Another focus of Chen’s research is aging, community care, and social support systems.

As populations around the world continue to age, governments face urgent questions about healthcare, social services, and community-based support. In response, Chen’s work has explored how societies—from the United States, to Europe, to Asia—can create sustainable systems that allow older adults to maintain independence and dignity.

His research has highlighted the importance of integrating social services, mental health support, and community engagement into public policy, thus influencing global discussions and helping governments design systems that respond effectively to demographic change.

A Global Scholar Sharing Knowledge Worldwide

Chen’s influence is also in the realm of extensive publications and conference presentations.

As an editor and/or contributor of a major international publication series, he has played a central role in shaping global scholarship on social policy, social work, and aging studies. His leadership in these publications has thus created platforms for scholars around the world to share research and collaborate on pressing social issues.

In addition, Chen regularly presents his work at academic conferences and international forums, including keynote speeches and scholarly presentations on topics such as governance, social development, and cross-national policy analysis.

The result of this work is a strengthening of Pace’s global presence while connecting both Pace students and faculty to broader academic networks.

Mentoring the Next Generation of Public Leaders

A prolific scholar, Chen is equally very dedicated in the classroom, offering a unique lens for the understanding of how policy decisions shape societies over time.

In his courses, students are exposed to innovative analytical frameworks and are guided in applying these tools to evaluate complex social and administrative challenges. By sharing his own methodological resources (e.g., Chen Approaches to Unidimensionalized Scaling, or CAUS) and research materials, Chen has thus empowered students to strengthen their analytical and policy evaluation skills.

In addition, as a faculty mentor, Chen supports students in their academic and professional development, helping them refine research ideas, and encouraging them to explore emerging issues and global perspectives in social policy and governance.

His goal is simple: to cultivate thoughtful, socially conscious public administrators equipped with both technical expertise and a strong commitment to public service and social equity.

Strengthening the Pace MPA Program

Chen believes the Pace MPA program is uniquely positioned to prepare future leaders who understand both administrative practice and the human dimensions of public policy.

Building on his pioneer experience in international social work and the program’s unique tradition of integrating social welfare policy and public administration, he continues to work to strengthen its focus on community services, healthcare policy, and global comparative analysis.

“It is about ensuring that Pace is not just a place where these global challenges are studied, but one where the frameworks for solving them are being forged,” he said.