Dr. Asher Hildebrand

Professor

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Biography

Asher D. Hildebrand is a Professor of the Practice at the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University, where he teaches core courses on domestic policy analysis in the Master of Public Policy program. He also leads graduate and undergraduate seminars on legislative advocacy and American democracy. Asher is the inaugural faculty director of Duke's executive Master of Public Affairs program, which welcomed its first cohort in 2025. Before joining the Sanford faculty, he accumulated over 15 years of experience in government and politics, serving in senior leadership roles such as Chief of Staff to U.S. Representative David Price and Director of Policy Research for Barack Obama’s 2012 campaign in North Carolina. He has also worked with the International Foundation for Electoral Systems in Beirut, Lebanon, and with various foreign policy think tanks in Washington, D.C. Asher frequently appears in the media as a commentator on state and national politics, including the U.S. Congress and the challenges facing American democracy, such as gerrymandering and voting rights. His insights have been featured in reputable publications, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and Newsweek. Additionally, Asher leads a boutique policy advocacy consulting firm called True North Strategies and serves on various local and statewide organization boards.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor of the Practice

— Present

Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke University • Durham, NC

Teaching core courses on domestic policy analysis and leading seminars on legislative advocacy and American democracy.

Chief of Staff

— Present

U.S. Representative David Price •

Oversaw staff and operations for the representative.

Director of Policy Research

— Present

Obama for America •

Led policy research efforts during the 2012 campaign in North Carolina.

Consultant

— Present

True North Strategies •

Provides consulting services in policy advocacy.

Requirements for Duke University

Master Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.2
TOEFL
Listening
Required:22
Reading
Required:22
Writing
Required:24
Speaking
Required:26
Total
Required:90
IELTS
Overall
Required:7
Prerequisites
Multivariable Calculus Introduction to Physics (mechanics) Introduction to Chemistry
Application Checklist
  • Transcripts
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three Letters of Recommendation
  • Resume/CV
  • Application Fee ($95)
  • Video Introduction
Specialization Notes

Department of Biomedical Engineering (MS program)