Biography
Dr. Beller received her Ph.D. from the University of Kentucky in 2005, specializing in public policy and American political institutions. She has taught at Marshall University since 2000 and has served as Associate Dean (2007-2009) and Department Chair (2009-2013). Dr. Beller directs the Graduate Internship Program for the West Virginia Legislature and serves as Marshall’s campus coordinator for legislative internship programs.
Before coming to Marshall, Dr. Beller coordinated West Virginia’s largest nutrition program for the elderly, serving a five-county district through Putnam County Aging Program.
COLA Faculty Concerns Committee
Ph.D, Political Science, University of Kentucky, 2005
MA, Political Science, Marshall University, 1997
12 credit hours, Gerontology Program, West Virginia State College, 1994-1995
B.A, Political Science, West Virginia State College, 1989
Pickens-Queen Outstanding Teacher Award, 2005-2006
The "A" Award for Service to the People of Appalachia, Appalachian Regional Commission, 1999
“Fiscal Policy,” Encyclopedia of American Government and Civics, Owen Lancer, Ed. (New York: Facts on File, 2008).
“Great Society,” Encyclopedia of American Government and Civics, Owen Lancer, Ed. (New York: Facts on File, 2008).
“New Deal,” Encyclopedia of American Government and Civics, Owen Lancer, Ed. (New York: Facts on File, 2008).
“Public Assistance,” Encyclopedia of American Government and Civics, Owen Lancer, Ed. (New York: Facts on File, 2008).
“State Representative,” Encyclopedia of American Government and Civics, Owen Lancer, Ed. (New York: Facts on File, 2008).
“It’s All in the Process: Understanding Administrative Deadlines as a Key to Diversion Assistance Program Effectiveness.” Presented at the Annual Meeting of the National Association of Welfare Research and Statistics, Charleston, WV, August, 2007.
“Rubrics as an Empowerment Tool for Students: Eliminating the Perception of Arbitrary Grading.” Presented at the Pedagogy Poster Session of the annual meeting of the American Political Science Association, Philadelphia, PA, September 1, 2006.
A Conservative Wave Unrealized: Examining Second Order Devolution in County Welfare Policies.” Presented at the annual meeting of the Southwestern Political Science Association, San Antonio, TX, April 12, 2006.
“State Level Explanations Do Not Apply: Diversity of County Policy Adoptions under Temporary Assistance to Needy Families.” Presented at the annual meeting of the Western Political Science Association, Albuquerque, NM, March 18, 2006.