Howard Gillman

Howard Gillman is the sixth Chancellor of the University of California, Irvine, and holds academic appointments as Professor of Law, Political Science, and Criminology, Law & Society. His expertise spans American constitutionalism and judicial politics. Prior to joining UCI in 2013, he served as Dean of the USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts & Sciences from 2007 to 2012. He is an award-winning scholar and educator, with accolades for both research and teaching.

• Education: Ph.D., M.A., and B.A. in Political Science from the University of California, Los Angeles.

His research focuses on constitutional law, judicial politics, and the interplay between law and political institutions. Key themes include American constitutional development, separation of powers, and the role of courts in shaping public policy. Gillman’s work has been widely recognized for its scholarly rigor and pedagogical impact.

Gillman has authored influential books such as The Constitution Besieged and The Votes That Counted, which analyze foundational aspects of U.S. constitutionalism and judicial decision-making. His scholarship contributes to broader debates in political science, legal studies, and public law.

Scientific Awards and Honors

• C. Herman Pritchett Award for best book in public law
• American Judicature Society Award for best paper at a conference
• USC Dornsife’s General Education Teaching Award
• Associates Award for Excellence in Teaching (USC’s highest career achievement award for teaching)
• Recognized for exceptional service and mentoring by the Law & Courts Section of the American Political Science Association