Dr. David Gonzalez

Associate Professor of Organizational Leadership and Public Administration
Business and Professional Studies
Public Administration, Organizational Leadership
dgonzal7@umassglobal.edu
949.383.3011
949.753.7875

Dr. David Gonzalez is associate professor of public administration and organizational leadership with University of Massachusetts Global’s School of Business & Professional Studies.As full-time faculty, he teaches and oversees courses in the MPA Program (he also teaches courses in the MAOL Program).Before his appointment to full-time faculty in 2014, he was an adjunct professor in the MAOL program here at UMass Global.Dr. Gonzalez taught criminal justice, forensics, and public service careers before teaching at University of Massachusetts Global.Before entering the world of teaching and researching public administration/service, Professor Gonzalez was a public servant holding various professional positions in policing including police jailer, community service officer/traffic hit & run investigator, and emergency communications officer.Professor Gonzalez remains active in the practitioner side of public administration by being in part-time service to the La Habra Police Department in emergency management.

Education History

2016 - Doctor of Public Administration, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA

  • "Networks in public administration: Searching for democratic legitimacy"

2007 - M.A., Organizational Leadership, Biola University, La Mirada, CA

  • "An Analysis of Organizational Communication: The La Habra Police Department"

2005 - B.S., Human Development, Hope International University, Fullerton, CA

  • Abnormal Psychology & Communication

Scholarly Activities

2023

  • Faculty Assembly President, UMass Global

2022

  • California Moderator, Heterodox Academy California

2019

  • Member, Heterodox Academy
     
 

Professional Experience

2016-2022 - Emergency Manager, La Habra Police Department, La Habra, CA
 

2007-2012 - Criminal Justice/Forensics Instructor, North Orange County ROP/Orange Unified School District, Orange County, CA 

  • Course/training design in criminal law, forensics and careers in Public Service. Co-Designer of the La Habra High School Police Forensics & Fire Academy.

2000-2007 - Community Service Office, Traffic Investigator, La Habra Police Department, La Habra, CA
 

 

Education History

2016 - Doctor of Public Administration, University of La Verne, La Verne, CA

  • "Networks in public administration: Searching for democratic legitimacy"

2007 - M.A., Organizational Leadership, Biola University, La Mirada, CA

  • "An Analysis of Organizational Communication: The La Habra Police Department"

2005 - B.S., Human Development, Hope International University, Fullerton, CA

  • Abnormal Psychology & Communication

Scholarly Activities

2023

  • Faculty Assembly President, UMass Global

2022

  • California Moderator, Heterodox Academy California

2019

  • Member, Heterodox Academy
     
 

Professional Experience

2016-2022 - Emergency Manager, La Habra Police Department, La Habra, CA
 

2007-2012 - Criminal Justice/Forensics Instructor, North Orange County ROP/Orange Unified School District, Orange County, CA 

  • Course/training design in criminal law, forensics and careers in Public Service. Co-Designer of the La Habra High School Police Forensics & Fire Academy.

2000-2007 - Community Service Office, Traffic Investigator, La Habra Police Department, La Habra, CA
 

 

Related Programs

Speaker and audience
Leadership

Organizational Leadership, BA

With theory-to-practice-oriented curriculum that applies to diverse career paths, the UMass Global bachelor’s in organizational leadership will prepare you for entry and mid-level supervisory roles.  
Jun 23, 2025
Businesswoman Leading Meeting
Leadership

Organizational Leadership, MA

With our theory-to-practice-oriented curriculum, this online master’s degree in organizational leadership will prepare you to move into leadership roles in any organization.
Jun 23, 2025
Happy mature speaker giving a speech in front of people at convention center and looking at camera. Copy space.
Leadership

Organizational Leadership, Certificate

This online certificate program is designed to develop the leader's conceptual and interpersonal skills, allowing them to improve their leadership skills, incorporating value-centered, service-driven principles into their everyday operating philosophies and styles. 
Jun 23, 2025
Mature man talking in a meeting at a community center - including a disabled person
Leadership

Public & Nonprofit Leadership, Certificate

This nonprofit leadership certificate enhances your ability to manage and lead volunteers. This online three-course graduate-level program helps prepare you for leadership roles in government, public affairs, nonprofit management, community development, and outreach.
Jun 23, 2025