I study public policy, and the biology and psychology of individual-level differences in political attitudes and behavior. The main focus of my work in political psychology is trying to understand why some people are passionate about politics while others couldn’t care less, where conservatives and liberals get their political beliefs from, why those beliefs are so resistant to change, and how political attention and engagement affect us psychologically and socially. I retain a strong interest in public policy and state politics — the primary research interests of the first part of my academic career — and continue to research and publish on those topics.

Kevin B. Smith

Institutional Affiliations

Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Education

BA Texas Tech University, 1986.

MA University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 1991.

PhD University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. 1994.

Academic Positions

2018–Present | Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Chair of Arts and Sciences, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

2013–Present | Resident Faculty, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska Lincoln.

2018–Present | Faculty Fellow, University of Nebraska Public Policy Center.

2005–Present | Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

2004–2016 | Faculty, Summer School in Social Science Data Analysis, University of Essex (UK).

1999–2005 | Associate Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

1994–1999 | Assistant Professor, Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Administrative Positions

2013–2023 | Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska.

2012–2013 | Associate Director, Center for Brain, Biology and Behavior, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

2000–2007 | Graduate Program Chair, Department of Political Science, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

2005–2007 | Chair, University Research Council, University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Professional Affiliations

American Political Science Association, Southwest Political Science Association, Midwest Political Science Association, Western Political Science Association, Policy Studies Organization, Midwest Public Administration Caucus

Discussant at various panels for the American Political Science Association, and Midwest Political Science Association conventions.

Award and Honors

William Holmes McGuffey Longevity Award. 2022. Textbook and Academic Authors Association (with Alan Greenblatt for Governing States & Localities).

Leland J. and Dorothy H. Olson Chair of Arts and Sciences | 2018

College of Arts & Sciences Outstanding Research and Creative Achievement Award | 2010

Certificate of Recognition for Contributions to Students, The Parents Association and the Teaching Council of the University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 2018, 2005, 2002, 1998, 1995

Textbook Excellence Award, Textbook and Academic Authors Association (with Alan Greenblatt for Governing States & Localities).

Educator of the Year Award, Association of the Students of the University of Nebraska | Finalist, 2002

“People Who Inspire” Award, Mortar Board | 1999

Outstanding Teaching in Political Science Award, American Political Science Association and Pi Sigma Alpha | 1998

College Distinguished Teaching Award, University of Nebraska-Lincoln | 1998

Who’s Who in America’s Teachers | 1999

Professional Activities

Governing Council, Organized Section on State Politics and Policy, American Political Science Association. Term 2004-2006.

Associate Editor, State Politics and Policy Quarterly, 1999 to 2004.

Editorial Board, Journal of Public Administration Research & Theory, 2001 to present.

Section Head, Southern Political Science Association annual meeting 2004.

Section Head, Southwest Political Science Association annual meeting 2003.

Section Head, Midwest Political Science Association annual meeting 1999.

Section Head, Midwest Political Science Association annual meeting 1998.

Editorial Assistant, American Journal of Political Science, 1993-1994.