Harold D. Clarke

Dr. Harold D. Clarke was the Ashbel Smith Professor at The University of Texas at Dallas (UT Dallas), within the School of Economic, Political and Policy Sciences (EPPS). He held academic positions at the University of Windsor, Virginia Tech, and the University of North Texas, where he previously served as Department Chair. His research focused on electoral choice, political economy, and methodology, including multilevel modeling and survey design. He co-directed the Cometrends survey project and edited leading journals like Electoral Studies and Political Research Quarterly. Clarke’s work advanced understanding of voter behavior in the U.S., Britain, and Canada.

Education: B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario; Ph.D. in Political Science from Duke University.

Professional Roles:

• Director of the Division of Social and Economic Sciences at the National Science Foundation (2009)
• Professor of Methodology at the University of Essex and Concordia University

Research Contributions: Authored/co-authored 21 books, including Political Choice in Britain and Affluence, Austerity and Electoral Change in Britain. His work emphasized voter evaluations of government performance and the contingent nature of public support in democracies.

Legacy: Remembered as a dedicated mentor who fostered students’ methodological skills. Known for his intellectual rigor, media presence on political topics, and collaborative work with his wife, Dr. Marianne Stewart. Died on January 11, 2022, due to complications from COVID-19.