Douglas Appler, Ph.D, AICP

Associate Profesor | Chair, Department of Historic Preservation

Douglas Appler is the Chair and an Associate Professor in the Department of Historic Preservation at the University of Kentucky. He also serves as the Director of Graduate Studies for the Department of Historic Preservation. Appler’s research explores innovation in the treatment of historic resources through public policy, with a particular emphasis on the actions of local government.  This type of innovation is increasingly important as preservationists seek to adapt to the needs of a changing society and a changing planet. It also helps to raise the profile of historic preservation as a vehicle for addressing a wide variety of public policy challenges, including housing affordability, disaster recovery, social justice, economic development, and may others.   

Appler holds a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University, a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Tech, and a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science, also from Virginia Tech. He is a former practicing city planner, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and was a Peace Corps Volunteer in Guatemala from 2000-2002.