David A. Reingold stands as a pivotal figure in higher education, currently serving as the Justin S. Morrill Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Professor of Sociology at Purdue University. In this significant role, he is the chief academic and administrative leader, guiding a diverse range of departments including History, English, Sociology, Political Science, Philosophy, and Anthropology. His purview also extends to the Brian Lamb School of Communication, the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts, the School of Languages and Culture, and the School of Interdisciplinary Studies, showcasing the breadth of his academic leadership. Before his impactful tenure at Purdue, Reingold held the position of professor and Executive Associate Dean at the esteemed School of Public and Environmental Affairs at Indiana University-Bloomington. This rich background underscores his deep-rooted commitment to fostering robust academic environments.
Reingold’s expertise is grounded in urban poverty, economic development, social welfare policy, low-income housing policy, civil society, and government performance. These areas form the cornerstone of his teaching and research, reflecting a dedication to understanding and addressing critical societal challenges. His scholarly contributions are widely recognized, with publications in leading journals such as the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Public Administration Review, Social Service Review, Urban Studies, the Journal of Urban Affairs, and Housing Studies. These publications not only highlight his profound insights but also serve as essential learning resources for scholars and policymakers alike, truly embodying Cornerstone Learning in the social sciences.
Beyond academia, Reingold’s commitment to public service is exemplary. He has held significant positions, including director of research and policy development at the U.S. Corporation for National and Community Service, and a member of the White House Task Force for Disadvantaged Youth, where he chaired the research committee. His engagement extends to local governance as a former housing commissioner and vice-chairman of the Bloomington Housing Authority Board, board president of the South Central Community Action Program, and chair of the Indiana Commission on Community Service and Volunteerism. This practical experience informs his academic work and provides a real-world perspective to his students, reinforcing the link between theoretical knowledge and its application – a cornerstone of effective learning.
His authoritative voice is further amplified through his service on expert panels for the U.S. National Academy of Public Administration and the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation in the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Moreover, his influence extends to shaping academic discourse through editorial roles for prestigious journals such as the Journal of Policy Analysis and Management, Social Service Review, Evaluation Review, the Journal of Urban Affairs, and the Journal of Public Affairs Education. David A. Reingold’s foundational education at the University of Chicago, where he earned his MA and Ph.D. in sociology, provided him with the intellectual bedrock for his distinguished career. His multifaceted career underscores his position as a cornerstone in learning and leadership, shaping future generations in academia and public service.
