William Howell

Inaugural dean of Johns Hopkins University’s School of Government and Policy and a professor in its Department of Political Science. His scholarship focuses on U.S. political institutions, separation of powers, the presidency, effective government, and democracy.

Bard and Johns Hopkins Advance Competing Models of Civic Education

American colleges are expanding civic education programs, but Roosevelt Montás of Bard College and William Howell of Johns Hopkins argue that the effort turns on a basic question: whether universities should prepare all students for citizenship or train future practitioners to improve governing institutions. Montás makes the case for a shared liberal education rooted in texts and discussion, while Howell is building a professional school that pairs institutional problem-solving with reflection on the contested ends public institutions serve. Both reject technocratic training as sufficient for democratic life.

Hoover InstitutionSep 16, 202612 min read