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Dr. Willard M Fields III

  • Professor - Political Science
Portrait of Dr. Willard M Fields III

Biography and education

Billy Fields (Ph.D., Urban Studies, University of New Orleans) is a Professor of Political Science at Texas State University. His research focuses on understanding the key elements of resilient communities. He is the lead author of the Adaptation Urbanism and Resilient Communities (Routledge 2021) and co-editor of Transport Beyond Oil (Island Press 2013). He directs the International Sustainable Transportation Engagement Program, an annual study abroad program in the Netherlands exploring best practices in active transportation. Prior to joining Texas State University, Dr. Fields was Director of the Center for Urban and Public Affairs at the University of New Orleans and Research Director for the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy where he developed and explored the concept of trail-oriented development. Before his academic life, he was also a raft guide in the mountains of North Carolina, an ice cream clerk at Harrods in London, and a food runner at Commander’s Palace in New Orleans.
  • Fields, Willard M. Texas State University Study Abroad Office Grant, $1000. (Funded: 2015). Grant.
  • Fields, Willard M. Nationwide Transportation Trail Survey. Rails-to-Trails Conservancy, $5000. (Funded: June 2015). Grant.
  • Fields, Willard M. Adaptation Urbanism Land Use Policy Evaluation, International Studies Honorary Professor Award, Texas State University, $500. (Submitted: March 2024, Funded: May 2024 - December 2024). Grant.
  • Fields, Willard M. Texas State University Service-learning Teaching Mini-Grant, Texas State University Service-learning Excellence Program, Texas State University, $500. (Submitted: March 2024, Funded: May 2024 - July 2024). Grant.
  • Fields, Willard M. Examining the Challenges and Opportunities of Integrating Green Infrastructure and Active Transport in the 15-Minute City, University of Texas Center for European Studies, Institutional (Higher Ed), $1000. (Submitted: March 2024, Funded: April 2024 - July 2024). Grant.
View all grants
  • Renne, J., Fields, W. M., & Baron, N. (Eds.). (2025). Special Issue on Resilient Streets. Built Environment, 51(3).
  • Fields, W. M., Ray, R. S., & Tolford, T. (2025). The Politics of Paradigm Shift: Examining Advocacy Coalitions and the Shift Towards Resilient Streets in New Orleans. Built Environment, 51(3).
  • Renne, J., Fields, W. M., & Baron, N. (2025). Building Resilient Streets. Built Environment, 51(3).
  • Renne, J., Fields, W. M., & Baron, N. (Eds.). (n.d.). Special Issue Reimagining Streets: Innovations in Mobility, Placemaking, and Climate Resilience. Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives.
  • Renne, J., & Fields, W. M. (n.d.). Green Transit-Oriented Development. Cambridge, UK, UK: Cambridge University Press.
View all scholarly/creative works
  • Award / Honor Recipient: February 2019 Book Club Selection, TransportiCA California Green Academy. February 2019
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Favorite Professor, Alfred H. Nolle Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. August 2017 - December 2017
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Centex ASPA Chapter Distinguished Public Administration Educator from Texas State University. January 2017 - May 2017
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Favorite Professor, Alfred H. Nolle Chapter of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society. August 15, 2016 - December 15, 2016
  • Award / Honor Recipient: Lafitte Greenway Founding Visionary, Friends of the Lafitte Greenway New Orleans. October 1, 2015
  1. Editor

    Built Environment

  2. Member

    Sustainability Studies Faculty Council

  3. Editor

    Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives (TRIP) Special Issue on Urban Cycling

  4. Editorial Review Board Member

    Journal of Critical Infrastructure Policy

  5. Member

    Personnel Committee

  6. Member

    Service Learning Faculty Fellow

  7. View all activities