Joseph F. Spillane

Professor Joseph F. Spillane is Chair of the Department of History at the University of Florida, where he also serves as Professor in the Department of History within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. Previously, he held the position of Department Chair from 2006-2010 and served as Associate Dean for Student Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and Director of the Academic Advising Center from 2012 to 2022. He has maintained a dual appointment as a faculty member in the Department of Criminology, Law, and Society.

• Ph.D. in History, Carnegie Mellon University (1994)
• M.A. in History, Carnegie Mellon University (1989)
• B.A., Gettysburg College (1988)

Professor Spillane specializes in the history of drugs, addiction, prison reform, and criminal justice in the United States. His research examines the historical development of drug policies, the evolution of addiction science, and the complex relationship between illicit markets and law enforcement practices. He approaches these topics through a historical lens that emphasizes how past decisions continue to shape contemporary debates and policy responses.

His scholarly output reveals a consistent focus on how historical contexts inform current drug and criminal justice policies. The trajectory of his work shows increasing engagement with interdisciplinary approaches, connecting historical analysis with public health concerns and policy development. His publications span monographs, edited collections, and articles in leading journals across history, criminology, and policy studies.

Professor Spillane has demonstrated significant leadership in his field through service as past president of the Alcohol and Drugs History Society and as a member of the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine Committee on Public Health Consequences of Changes in the Cannabis Policy Landscape. He has also served as Managing Editor of the Points blog and remains on its Editorial Advisory Board.

As an educator and administrator, Professor Spillane has directed academic advising services and mentored numerous students. His administrative experience includes significant leadership roles within the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, demonstrating his commitment to both scholarly excellence and student success.