Bethany Blackstone

Bethany Blackstone is a Professor of Political Science and Dean of the Honors College at James Madison University. She joined JMU in 2022, bringing expertise in judicial politics and American policymaking.

• Education: Ph.D. and M.A. in Political Science from Emory University; B.A. in Political Science from Indiana University.

Her research focuses on the U.S. Supreme Court’s role in shaping legal rules and policymaking, alongside dynamics within the U.S. courts of appeals. She is renowned for teaching courses on American government, the U.S. Congress, judicial politics, and constitutional law.

Scientific awards:

• 'Fessor Graham Award (University of North Texas)
• American Political Science Association Law and Courts Section's Teaching and Mentoring Award