Joshua Douglas: 2024-25 University Research Professor Q&A

UKNow is highlighting the University of Kentucky’s 2024-25 University Research Professors. Established by the Board of Trustees in 1976, the professorship program recognizes excellence across the full spectrum of research at UK and is sponsored by the Office of the Vice President for Research.  

LEXINGTON, Ky. (July 18, 2024) — Joshua Douglas, the Ashland, Inc.-Spears Distinguished Research Professor of Law at the University of Kentucky J. David Rosenberg College of Law, has been honored as a 2024-25 University Research Professor.

Douglas joined UK in 2010. His research includes election law and voting rights, with a specific focus on the constitutional right to vote. Douglas was the founder and initial chair of the Association of American Law Schools Section on Election Law and received the 2019 Duncan Teaching Award at the Rosenberg College of Law. His latest book, “The Court v. The Voters: The Troubling Story of How the Supreme Court Has Undermined Voting Rights,” explores the impact of several Supreme Court cases on voting rights.

Douglas spoke with UKNow about his latest honor as a University Research Professor in this Q&A.

UKNow: What does it mean to you to be recognized as a University Research Professor?

Douglas:  I am excited that the university is recognizing my scholarship in election law and voting rights, especially in an election year. Issues of democracy are vitally important not just for scholars but for all Americans. It is a great honor to have my work recognized in this way.

UKNow: How will the professorships program advance your research?

Douglas: The professorship will give me the opportunity to further my research in election law and voting rights by allowing me to disseminate my work more broadly, which is especially useful as I have a new book out this year, “The Court v. The Voters: The Troubling Story of How the Supreme Court Has Undermined Voting Rights.” The professorship will also allow me to travel to additional conferences to collaborate with other scholars in my field and it will assist in new projects, especially as they relate to the 2024 election.

UKNow: How does your research address challenges facing Kentucky?

Douglas: While a lot of my scholarship has a national focus, I have also worked on issues of Kentucky election law, particularly in collaborating with the Kentucky Secretary of State on election rules. I am proud that Kentucky has been heralded across the nation as a model for how to administer fair elections in a bipartisan way.

UKNow: What impact will your research have on Kentucky?

Douglas: My research on national approaches can help Kentucky election administrators consider best practices for the state. I am proud, for example, that the state adopted vote centers, which was a direct outgrowth of my 2019 book, “Vote for US: How to Take Back Our Elections and Change the Future of Voting.” The Secretary of State learned about vote centers by reading my book and worked to implement them in Kentucky. I hope to have a future positive impact on Kentucky election rules. 

About the University Research Professors
Each year, the University of Kentucky Board of Trustees approves a cohort of faculty as University Research Professors. The distinction recognizes excellence in work that addresses scientific, social, cultural and economic challenges in Kentucky and the world.

College leadership developed criteria for excellence within their area of expertise and then nominated faculty who excelled at these criteria. Each University Research Professor receives a one-year award of $10,000 and participates in other events planned around the program.