Douglas B. Roberts is the director of MSU's Institute for Public Policy and Social Research and an expert in state and national elections and politics; the economy; tax policy; K-12 and higher education financing; and political strategy. Previously, Roberts served as State of Michigan treasurer, director of the Senate Fiscal Agency, deputy superintendent of the Michigan Department of Education and deputy director of the state Department of Management and Budget. Roberts holds a BA in Economics from The University of Maryland as well as an MA and Ph.D. in Economics from Michigan State University.