Professor Sheying Chen, PhD, has brought a global perspective and decades of research to the Master of Public Administration program at Pace University, which was recently recognized by US News & World Report as a Best Graduate Public Affairs School.
Chen’s work is centered on the belief that public policy should serve people, especially those most vulnerable in society. His research addresses issues such as aging populations, healthcare access, diversity and leadership, and the relationship between economic development and social wellbeing. He said, “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.”
A key part of Chen’s scholarship is his work in General Public Policy analysis. His concept of the “Economic State in Transition” offers insight into China’s modern history by examining how state policy priorities have shifted through cycles of upheaval and renewal. Chen challenges traditional paradigms like the “welfare state” by introducing broader analytical approaches such as the “Problem-GPP-ism” Triple Prism. These frameworks help students understand government priorities and anticipate societal impacts from major policy shifts.
Another focus for Chen is aging and community care. As populations age globally, his research explores how societies can create sustainable systems for older adults to maintain independence and dignity. He emphasizes integrating social services, mental health support, and community engagement into public policy.
Chen also contributes extensively to international publications on social policy and aging studies. He regularly presents at academic conferences worldwide, strengthening Pace’s global presence and connecting students with broader academic networks.
In addition to his research contributions, Chen mentors students in applying innovative analytical frameworks to real-world challenges. By sharing methodological resources like CAUS (Chen Approaches to Unidimensionalized Scaling), he helps students develop strong analytical skills for evaluating complex policies.
Chen believes that Pace’s MPA program is uniquely positioned to prepare future leaders who understand both administrative practice and human dimensions of public policy. “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.
