Paul G. Van Buskirk, MS '02, PhD '06

Dr. Paul Van Buskirk is an accomplished engineer, strategic community planner, educator and author. As a license professional engineer in three states and a certified planner, Dr. Paul, as he is fondly known, at the age of 84 years young, is the co-founder and active chairman, of the board of Metro Forecasting Models serving local governments in the Southeastern US States. His doctoral dissertation at Barry, "A Case Study of Factors that Lead to Successful Strategic Planning and Performance in the Public Sector" investigates the empirical relationship between local government comprehensive planning and plan performance In addition, Dr. Paul continues to be an active advocate for the advancement of educational standards as well as student’s achievement. While pursuing his planning career he became an independent educational researcher who co-created a psychometric instrument to assess the relationship and effects of school board governance and student achievement, co-authored several published peer reviewed papers on empirical studies related to the same and was a contributing author for the recent book, "School Board Effectiveness" Harvard Education Press. Throughout the years these educational efforts were performed pro-bono as he continued to give back in-kind to society. After receiving his under graduate degree in engineering, teaching Urban and Environmental studies and co-authored several published peer reviewed papers on modeling at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute Dr. Paul earned his Master’s and Doctor’s degree from Barry University where he also taught quantitative methods of inquiry as an adjunct professor. As an extension of his benevolence he volunteered his time to mentor students thru their quantitative dissertations. Dr. Paul received a grant from the Sloan Foundation to write a book entitled, "The Resurrection of an American City" General Learning Press: a case study of a comprehensive social, physical and economic programs to address poverty and urban blight. Rensselear featured Dr Paul Van Buskirk on the cover of their catalogue celebrating its 150 anniversary for applying engineering principals to social problems of the city. George Mason University selected his series of essays, "European Nations are Solving Their Urban Problems" for inclusion into the Baum Digital Collection Digital Collection based upon historical relevance and scholarly appeal. He is a charter member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute for Certified Planners and has co-authored three articles in Planning Magazine on his growth model applications and results for local governments in Florida. He is the recipient of the Charles Evans Hughes Award from the American Society for Public Administration for, courageous, resourceful and imaginative work in municipal government and its future development. He has recently completed the manuscript for his new book, Big Mike, Uncle Dan, and the Engineer: How I Beat 20th Century New York State’s Most Corrupt Political Machine. Events Homecoming Weekend Volunteer Distinguished Alumni Awards Nomination Form Nomination FAQs History Event Sponsors Sponsorship Opportunities Photo Gallery