Mitchell Brown

Mitchell Brown, Ph.D., is the Curtis O. Liles III Professor in the Department of Political Science at Auburn University. He serves as a founding editor of the Journal of Election Administration Research & Practice, and his work spans election administration, community-based problem solving, and political methodology. Brown has held leadership roles including Director of Auburn University's Ph.D. Program in Public Administration and Public Policy (2015–2018) and co-directs the Election Administration Initiative with Kathleen Hale.

• PhD, University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
• MA, University of Maryland (College Park, MD)
• MA, The George Washington University (Washington, DC)
• BA, Meredith College (Raleigh, NC)

His research focuses on marginalized communities and tools for building community capacity, with applications in election administration and public policy. Brown's work integrates practical training, curricular development, and evaluation of electoral systems, reflecting his dual emphasis on academic rigor and real-world impact.

Scientific awards include the Meredith College 2023 Career Achievement Award, the 2023 Distinguished Service Award from the American Political Science Association, and recognition for outstanding teaching and diversity research. He has authored influential books such as How We Vote: Innovations in American Elections and co-edited teaching handbooks on political methodology.

Brown co-directs the Election Administration Initiative at Auburn and serves on the board of directors for the National Association of Election Officials. His career combines academic leadership with national service in election administration training and policy development.