The Library of Congress has announced the appointment of David Campbell the Packey J. Dee Professor of American Democracy at the University of Notre Dame, to the Kluge Chair in American Law and Governance. This prestigious research position focuses on legal, constitutional, and political issues related to American government institutions.
Campbell’s residency, set to begin in spring, will allow him to leverage the Library of Congress’ vast resources, including the world’s largest law library and unique manuscript collections on the American Republic’s formation. This role also offers opportunities for dialogue with political leaders on critical civic and political matters.
Campbell’s Academic Journey and Contributions
A renowned scholar in civic and political engagement, Campbell’s research has significantly advanced the understanding of American attitudes toward religion over the past six decades. His work has explored the rapid advancement of secularization due to politics and the impact of women in public office on youth political engagement.
During his residency, Campbell will focus on a project titled “Kids These Days: The Civic Education of America’s Teens”. This initiative aims to examine what, when, and how young people learn about democracy in various settings, including home, school, community, and online platforms.
Notable Achievements and Publications
Campbell’s academic contributions are extensive, with five authored or co-authored books to his name. His notable works include “American Grace: How Religion Divides and Unites Us” co-authored with Robert D. Putnam, which received awards from the American Political Science Association and the Religion Communicators Council. Other significant publications include “Why We Vote: How Schools and Communities Shape Our Civic Life” and “Secular Surge: A New Fault Line in American Politics” co-authored with John C. Green and Geoffrey C. Layman.
His most recent book, co-authored with Christina Wolbrecht, is “See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People”. Campbell has also contributed to numerous book chapters, peer-reviewed journal articles, and edited volumes, showcasing his prolific academic career.
Leadership and Recognition
Campbell’s leadership roles include serving as the chair of the Department of Political Science from to 2026 and the director of the Rooney Democracy Institute from 2009 to. He currently leads the Democracy Initiative, an interdisciplinary effort launched in 2026 to advance solutions for sustaining and strengthening global democracy.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Campbell was recently elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He has also been a go-to expert for major media outlets, providing insights on American politics and religion. His research has been supported by prestigious foundations, including the National Science Foundation, the Templeton Foundation, and the Spencer Foundation.
