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Judith Kelley
Dean at Duke University Sanford School of Public Policy
Judith Kelley is a prominent political scientist and academic currently serving as the Dean of the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke University. She has held this position since July 2018, following her role as Senior Associate Dean from 2014 to 2018. Kelley is also the Terry Sanford Professor of Public Policy and a Professor of Political Science at Duke, where she has been a faculty member since 2002.
Education and Early Career
Kelley was born in Denmark and completed her undergraduate studies at Stanford University, earning a BA in Communication. She then pursued graduate studies at Harvard University, where she received both her Master in Public Policy (MPP) and Ph.D. in Public Policy.13
Research Focus
Kelley is recognized for her research on democracy promotion, human rights, and the role of international actors in domestic political reforms. Her work often explores how states, international organizations, and NGOs can influence governance and human rights practices in various countries. Notably, she has conducted significant research on international election observation and human trafficking.123
Her influential publications include:
- Monitoring Democracy: When International Election Observation Works and Why It Often Fails (2012), which received accolades such as the Chadwick F. Alger Prize.
- Scorecard Diplomacy: Grading States to Influence their Reputation and Behavior (2017), examining U.S. policies on human trafficking.13
Leadership and Achievements
As Dean, Kelley has been instrumental in expanding the Sanford School's academic offerings, including launching new master's programs in national security policy and public affairs. Under her leadership, the school has seen an increase in faculty recruitment and research funding, alongside enhanced community engagement initiatives.45 Kelley is also noted for her commitment to diversity and inclusion within the faculty.46
Professional Affiliations
Kelley serves on several editorial boards, including International Organization, and has been involved with various organizations such as the World Bank as a consultant. She is a member of the Bass Society of Fellows at Duke University, which honors faculty excellence in teaching and scholarship.12
Personal Background
Kelley is originally from Copenhagen, Denmark, and has lived in various countries including Australia, Germany, Ireland, and China. She is fluent in Danish.12
In summary, Judith Kelley is a distinguished scholar and leader in public policy education with a strong focus on international relations, democracy, and human rights advocacy.