Robert C. Donnelly

Robert C. Donnelly is a Professor of History at Gonzaga University within the College of Arts & Sciences. His career focuses on U.S. history with particular emphasis on urban history and post-World War II American politics, culture, and society. He has authored significant works, including the book Dark Rose: Organized Crime and Corruption in Portland, Oregon, which examines mid-20th-century vice networks and labor-political corruption.

• Ph.D., Marquette University (2004)
• M.A., Portland State University (1997)
• B.S., Western Oregon University (1992)

His research spans broad themes such as labor union corruption, municipal governance, and Cold War legacies, with deeper subfields in vice industries, political-criminal networks, and progressive city reform. His upcoming book project on Teamster Boss Dave Beck promises further insights into labor racketeering in the Pacific Northwest.

Donnelly has presented at numerous academic conferences including the Labor and Working Class History Association and Organization of American Historians meetings. His service roles at Gonzaga include previous tenure as History Department Chair (2013-2018) and active participation in university governance committees.