Personal History

I am the Brady Presidential Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science and Philosophy at Weber State University. Our department is part of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. I was recognized as the Endowed Professor for 2017-2020. My primary research interests are in American politics: the presidency, Congress, elections and youth and politics. I teach courses on all aspects of American politics, especially the national institutions. 

I am the Director of the Olene S. Walker Institute of Politics & Public Service. In this role, I co-chair the Political Engagement Coalition and help coordinate efforts on campus to increase political engagement. I also coordinate efforts in Northern Utah to foster civic knowledge among our citizenry.

I received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and also in Newspaper Journalism from Syracuse University in 1996. I received a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science from the University of Albany in 2004.