Kent Redfield

Kent D. Redfield is a professor of political studies and public affairs with a joint appointment in political studies and the Center for State Policy and Leadership at the University of Illinois at Springfield, a position he has held since 1979. He also has an appointment in the Institute of Government and Public Affairs.

Redfield received a B.S. from the University of Utah in 1969 and a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Washington in 1975. In 1979 he joined the faculty at Sangamon State University, which was merged with the University of Illinois in 1995.

Professor Redfield's research interests include campaign finance (state), state economic development policy, legislative behavior (staffing and administration), policy analysis, municipal government and special districts, and community decision-making and power.

Since 1997 Redfield has served as the director of the Sunshine Project, a campaign finance project fund by the Joyce Foundation. Among his recent publications is an article, "Low expectations: Illinois continues to meet historical standards for corruption in state politics and government," in the February 2006 Illinois Issues.

Redfield served as the coordinator of the Illinois Legislative Staff Internship Program from 1979 to 1999. This program continues to provide internship opportunities for students with the Illinois General Assembly. It was directed by former IGPA director Sam Gove from 1964 to 1974. Among the many outstanding alumni of the program is former Illinois Governor Jim Edgar, who is now a distinguished fellow with the IGPA.

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