Provost and Dean of Faculty Michael Wick announced today that Antonio Ugues Jr., associate professor of political science, will serve as the director for the Center for the Study of Democracy at St. Mary’s College of Maryland. He will begin the position on Monday, July 1. Todd Eberly, associate professor of political science and public policy, had been serving in an interim capacity since July 2018.
“As the center continues its work to advance historical and contemporary knowledge and understanding of ideas and practices associated with democracy, liberty and justice, Antonio Urgues will be a great asset in guiding stimulating dialogue and helping to provide enriching experiences for our students and the greater community,” said Wick. “A special thank you to Todd Eberly who has initiated thought-provoking events and invited interesting guest lecturers to campus throughout this year.”
“As director, I hope to reinvigorate the mission and reach of the Center for the Study of Democracy by recommitting it to the various constituencies that it serves and addressing issues that are salient for these constituencies and our times,” said Ugues. “While I am particularly interested in issues surrounding the dynamics of public support for democracy and the integrity of elections at home and abroad, I intend to draw on the wealth of knowledge, expertise, and talent at St. Mary's College as well as that of our partners in the community in order to continue building on the Center's legacy of promoting democracy, liberty, and justice.”
Ugues teaches courses in comparative politics, democracy and elections, and the politics of Latin America at St. Mary’s College. He received his PhD in political science from the University of California at Riverside. His research interests include democracy, electoral systems, and electoral integrity in Latin America. Ugues’ work has appeared in several academic venues including: “Electoral Studies;” “Journal of Politics in Latin America;” “Latin American Politics and Society;” “Journal of Elections, Public Opinion, and Parties;” “Journal of Legislative Studies;” “Democracy and Security;” “Political and Military Sociology: An Annual Review;” “California Journal of Politics and Policy;” and in an edited volume titled “Advancing Electoral Integrity” (Oxford University Press, 2014). His current research agenda explores attitudes towards democracy and electoral integrity in contemporary Mexican politics.
