Whitburn Center
Research Highlights

Explore our Research Highlights

The Whitburn Center is a source of positive media coverage for UWO. Our work and experts have been featured in numerous state, local and national media outlets. Click on the links below to view our research highlights.

How to prevent meaningless controversies from dominating school board coverage

Journalists should remind readers how school boards are meant to operate and how they affect student learning — not just focus on controversies and politics.

By: Michael Ford

Read the full article on Kappan Online.

(Published: August 7, 2024)

 

Research reveals struggles for Wisconsin fire departments

By: Tajma Hall

Read the full article on CBS 58.

(Published: August 6, 2024)

 

Wisconsin firefighters say they don’t have funds to respond to all calls

Fire chiefs believe special purpose fire districts could enhance safety

By: Corrinne Hess

Read the full article on Wisconsin Public Radio.

(Published: August 5, 2024)

 

We can’t bank on having fire departments respond to emergency calls in Wisconsin

Special purpose fire districts are innovation that could enhance public safety

By: Michael Ford and Michael Stanley

Read the full article on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

(Published: July 17, 2023)

 

UW-Oshkosh study breaks down what local governments can learn from COVID-19

  • UW-Oshkosh identified challenges for local managers in Wisconsin during their COVID-19 response

  • Lack of clear authority, politics and low morale all affected local leaders, the survey found

  • Most municipalities moved meetings online, but only a few imposed mask mandates or business occupancy limits

  • Researchers suggested putting plans in place now to get ready for future pandemics

By: Maddie Burakoff

Read the full article on Spectrum News 1.

(Published: April 13, 2022)

 

Pandemic response: UWO researchers find better communication, clearer lines of authority needed

By: News Bureau

Read the full article on All In Wisconsin: Campus Stories.

(Published: April 1, 2022)

 

As the pandemic wanes: What can we learn about the response of Wisconsin’s local governments to the COVID-19 outbreak

By: Michael Ford and Samantha Larson

Read the full article on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

(Published: March 16, 2022)