Mike Rocca has been a Political Science professor at UNM since 2005. Originally from Castro Valley, California, he attended California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo where he majored in Political Science and then went on to receive his Ph.D. in the same subject from the Universtiy of California, Davis.

He has always had first-rate experiences with MPP students in his Political Science classes and has been aware of the program’s great reputation since its inception in 2017. So, when former MPP Director, Melissa Binder approached him about becoming involved he was “both honored and excited to participate”.

His main policy interests are money in politics, campaign financing, legislative professialization, and anything having to do with the southwest – e.g. water, public land, environment, and energy.

When he is not working, Mike enjoys spending time with this wife, Tracy and their two sons, specifically camping, hiking, fishing, and playing tennis.

Mike is passionate about policy and loves New Mexico, and everyone at the MPP is excited to have him aboard!