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Kettering Foundation Welcomes Three New Research Fellows

In a recent announcement, the Charles F. Kettering Foundation has appointed three esteemed research fellows, each recognized for their innovative work in understanding and addressing the challenges facing democracy today. The foundation is dedicated to fostering inclusive democracy and this year's appointments highlight their commitment to equip the public, policymakers, and civic leaders with essential knowledge to combat the destabilizing forces threatening democratic values.

Meet the New Research Fellows

1. Erica Frantz
An associate professor of political science at Michigan State University, Frantz specializes in authoritarian politics, the phenomenon of democratic backsliding, and the dynamics driving political transformations. She has authored several influential books, including The Origins of Elected Strongmen (2024) and Authoritarianism: What Everyone Needs to Know (2018). Her scholarship aims to expose the dangers posed by authoritarianism and to analyze the roots of political instability in democratic nations.

2. Andrew L. Whitehead
Serving as a professor of sociology at Indiana University Indianapolis, Whitehead is a leading scholar on Christian nationalism in the U.S. His publication, American Idolatry: How Christian Nationalism Betrays the Gospel and Threatens the Church, has garnered significant acclaim, earning him awards such as the 2024 Gold Medal Book Award for Religion. His work, alongside Samuel Perry on Taking America Back for God, has critically examined the interplay between religion and politics, shedding light on how these forces shape democratic principles and social cohesion.

3. Deva Woodly
A political science professor at Brown University, Woodly is acclaimed for her book Reckoning: Black Lives Matter and the Democratic Necessity of Social Movements (2021). Her research has illuminated the role of social movements in shaping democratic responses to contemporary issues, particularly regarding race and equity. Woodly's academic contributions have earned her prestigious fellowships at institutions such as Princeton and Harvard, exemplifying her commitment to advancing democratic theory and practice.

A Focus on Democracy

The appointments come at a time when democracy faces unprecedented challenges from various fronts including the rise of authoritarianism, the decline of democratic norms, and the growing influence of specific ideologies that threaten civil liberties. By bringing together these accomplished scholars, the Kettering Foundation aims to deepen public understanding of these pressing issues and stimulate constructive dialogues around democratic resilience.

Sharon L. Davies, President and CEO of the Kettering Foundation, expressed their selection rationale stating, "We selected these fellows because their scholarship confronts some of the most dangerous dynamics threatening inclusive democracy today." Their respective research will contribute significantly to the foundation’s national convenings, podcasts, and blogs, offering critical insights into the complexities of modern democracy.

Engaging the Public

These research fellows will not only delve into their studies but will also engage actively with the public and policymakers through the foundation's platforms, including the From Many, We blog series and the Context podcast. Furthermore, their findings will be invaluable in informing Kettering's future publications and initiatives aimed at fostering civic engagement and promoting governmental accountability.

The Kettering Foundation, which has been advocating for democracy since its establishment in 1927, continues to play a pivotal role in addressing contemporary democratic challenges. Headquartered in Dayton, Ohio, the nonpartisan, nonprofit foundation remains committed to advancing inclusive democratic practices and combating the forces of authoritarianism.

The addition of these three fellows marks a significant step forward in the foundation's mission to protect and promote democracy worldwide by inspiring citizen engagement and ensuring that democratic norms are upheld across various societal sectors. As these scholars embark on their research journey, the Kettering Foundation and communities looking to reinforce democratic values will benefit greatly from their expertise and insights.