New faculty profile: Billie Sandberg

Portland State’s Mark O. Hatfield School of Government hired Billie Sandberg this year as the new assistant professor of public administration.

In addition to her new job, Sandberg is also expecting a baby, and will not begin teaching until spring term.

When she does begin teaching, Sandberg will be in the public administration division and will focus on nonprofit management.

After earning a doctorate from Arizona State University in 2001, Sandberg spent the last year teaching at the University of Colorado, Denver, and has 15 years of experience working in both nonprofit and public services.

Sandberg said that while in search of a teaching job, PSU stood out to her because the school focuses more on teaching and less on research.

When she gets back to the classroom this spring, Sandberg is most looking forward to inspiring students.

“The most important thing is that students be engaged in the learning process and [be] able to learn from each other,” Sandberg said. “I see the classroom as a community for learning.”

Sandberg is excited to be in Portland. Her interests, which involve many outdoor activities, fit right into those available in the city.

She enjoys running and camping and is also very interested in photography.

Sandberg said living in Portland is much different than other places she’s lived. She highlighted the focus on community at PSU and in Portland in general.

In the past, Sandberg has done a lot of research work with nonprofit organizations, and she encouraged any students or community members who are interested in doing similar things to contact her.