Dr. Mary Anderson

Areas of Expertise

• American politics and policy with an emphasis on community/civic engagement and women and politics.

Education

• B.A. in history and political science, University of Central Florida (1994)
• M.A. in political science, University of Central Florida (1996)
• M.S. in political science, Florida State University (2003)
• Ph.D. in American politics and public policy, Florida State University (2005)

View My CV

What's My Why?

I believe that students thrive when they are actively engaged in their own learning journey. My goal as an educator is to motivate students to become change leaders who are equipped to contribute in meaningful ways to society by empowering students to be independent thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible global citizens. 

Professional Experience

I joined the Salve community in 2024 as the inaugural Brodsky Chair of U.S. Constitutional Democracy and Culture after a 15-year career at the University of Tampa teaching political science and researching community engagement and women and politics. I held numerous positions at the University of Tampa including serving as department chair twice, co-founding and co-directing the UTampa Votes Coalition, and serving as the inaugural chair of the faculty senate committee on community and civic engagement. I serve as the vice president of the Southern Political Science Association. 

Media Coverage

The Providence Journal, Policy Studies blog, WPRI, PBS-WEDU, WFLA, BBC

Selected Publications

Anderson, Mary R. and J. Lewallen. “Not Just the Nation’s Hostess: First Ladies as Policy Actors.” Policy Studies JournalAnderson, Mary R. and J. Lewallen. 2024 “Not Just the Nation’s Hostess: First Ladies as Policy Actors.” Policy Studies Journal, vol. 52 no.4, 2024, pp. 731-74.

Anderson, Mary R., L. Jayaram, and K. VanderMolen. “She Said Yes! An Exploration of Confidence Among Women Who Run for Political Office.” State and Local Government Review, vol. 56, no.3, 2024, pp 261-276.