An educator, researcher, and author, Dr. Michael J. DeLor holds a bachelor of arts in political science from Syracuse University, a master of public administration from University of Wyoming, and a doctorate in public administration and public affairs from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech). As a graduate assistant, Dr. Michael DeLor conducted academic research at the University of Wyoming and delivered lectures at Virginia Tech.

Dr. Michael J. DeLor has direct experience in government and politics as a research analyst and a legislative aide with the New York State Senate. He also served as a proofreader with the New York State Legislative Bill Drafting Commission. In 2019, he authored the book, Inside a Public Policy Black Box: Congress, FERC, and Private Electric Utilities.

Dr. DeLor has served as a professor and lecturer at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in Edinburg since 2016. This position involved teaching a range of classes in topics related to the politics and government of Texas and the United States and Texas.