David C. Wilson

David C. Wilson serves as Dean of the Goldman School of Public Policy and Professor of Public Policy at the University of California, Berkeley. His scholarly work centers on political psychology, race and justice, and American politics, with a particular focus on survey research methods and the measurement of intergroup attitudes. Wilson has published extensively on racial resentment, voter identification laws, and the impact of diversity climate on organizational engagement, and co-authored the book Racial Resentment in the Political Mind (University of Chicago Press, 2022).

Wilson earned a BA in government from Western Kentucky University and completed his graduate education at Michigan State University, where he received an MPA in public policy and administration, an MA in political science, and a PhD in political science. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to understanding the intersections of policy, psychology, and social dynamics.

His research investigates how social cognition shapes political preferences and survey responses, with key contributions in understanding double standards in racial evaluations, blame attributions in politics, and the relationship between diversity climate and employee engagement. Wilson's work bridges political science and psychology, employing experimental and survey methods to explore the psychological underpinnings of political behavior, particularly regarding racial attitudes and justice perceptions.

Analysis of Wilson's recent publications (2022-2025) reveals a strong emphasis on contemporary political challenges, including the January 6th insurrection, voter ID laws, and public opinion on emerging technologies like facial recognition and artificial intelligence. His articles consistently address methodological issues in survey research while advancing theoretical understanding of racial attitudes and political trust, demonstrating his dual expertise in substantive political issues and research methodology.

Wilson maintains life memberships in the American Political Science Association, International Society for Political Psychology, and several other professional organizations. He has held leadership roles including service on the executive council of the American Association of Public Opinion Researchers and the editorial board of Public Opinion Quarterly, reflecting his significant contributions to the field of survey methodology and political psychology.

Throughout his career, Wilson has advised graduate students in public policy and political science. His professional experience extends beyond academia to include senior positions at the Gallup Organization, where he led national and international survey projects on topics ranging from workplace creativity to prejudice in politics, and consulting for SPSS on data analysis. A US Army Reserve veteran with 19 years of service and combat tours in Operations Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom, Wilson brings diverse perspectives to his academic work.