William & Mary Government

08/04/2026

Congratulations to Professor Chris Howard. He has been selected to receive the Aaron Wildavsky Enduring Contribution Award for his consequential book, "The Hidden Welfare State: Tax Expenditures and Social Policy in the United States." This prize is awarded at the l American Political Science Association Annual Meeting by the Public Policy Section of APSA.
This prize recognizes a book or article that continues to have a powerful impact two to three decades after its publication. It has been awarded to a list of superstars of American public policy, and we believe that Professor Howard is the first recipient who has earned this honor without having taught at a Ph.D. granting department. His current research continues to benefit from outstanding undergraduate students. It reflects his confidence in our undergraduates and his excellent mentorship. The prize will be awarded in early September at the APSA meeting in Boston.

04/24/2026

The big day of giving is coming.

10/22/2025

Homecoming 2025 was exceptionally successful: great weather, a huge crowd at the Govt/Econ/PP/IR Brunch, and a win at the football game. Here are a few snapshots of returning alumni.

10/01/2025

Planning your Homecoming Weekend? Don't forget to include the Government Department's Alumni Brunch. From 10 am to noon, drop in to Chancellors Hall (if you can find your way through all the construction on campus). Lots of faculty, both new and "mature" will be there. We would all love to hear what you are doing and tell you what we are up to. October 18 is the date, all welcome, no RSVP required.

09/24/2024

Always a highlight of the Fall Semester, Homecoming will be here before you know it. We love having you drop by our Government/Econ/Public Policy brunch. NO RSVP needed, just show up, enjoy some good food, see old friends, new faculty, current students and those of us who have been faculty in the Department for a while.

08/30/2024

Steve Hanson's important new book is a great reason to come see what's happening at W&M.

Join us in two weeks for one of our first events of the new semester: a book talk about "The Assault on the State" by W&M Professor Stephen Hanson and his coauthor Jeffrey Kopstein! Their conversation will be followed by a Q&A as well as a light reception. Please RSVP at https://go.wm.edu/cBT5k6. We hope to see you there!

06/03/2024

Here is the video of Clay Clemens' retirement talk. Enjoy.

05/29/2024

Look what came in the mail: Our alum, Stan Haynes has just published his most recent volume on American National Presidential nominating conventions. This is his third book covering conventions from 1904 to 1944. We feel certain that Stan is hard at work on the next volume, but this is a great reference for how political conventions were in the first half of the 20th Century.

05/24/2024

So many of our alumni have had distinguished careers in the US Foreign Service, it is only fitting to recognize and celebrate 100 years of this national service.

Dive into this exclusive video tribute honoring the men and women of the U.S. Foreign Service. From the busy corridors of embassies and consulates worldwide,...