Lincoln University Professor Dr. Elizabeth Dorssom Elected to National Leadership Role in American Political Science Association (APSA)

Lincoln University of Missouri Assistant Professor of Political Science Elizabeth Dorssom has been elected vice chair of the American Political Science Association (APSA) Civic Engagement Section.

Lincoln University Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Elizabeth Dorssom has been elected vice chair of the American Political Science Association (APSA) Civic Engagement Section. Her term in this national leadership position will run through 2027.

The Civic Engagement Section of the American Political Science Association (APSA) was founded in 2020 to promote civic engagement in teaching, research and professional practice. It unites a diverse group of faculty, staff, scholars and practitioners dedicated to strengthening democracy by integrating civic learning and engagement across all areas of the campus experience.

In her role on the executive committee, Dr. Dorssom will be actively involved in shaping the section’s strategic direction, overseeing professional development and mentoring programs and coordinating the sponsorship of academic panels and research awards at the APSA Annual Meeting.

Dr. Dorssom is a highly-regarded scholar and dedicated advocate for democratic participation. She recently received the 2025 Standout Faculty Award from the ALL IN Campus Democracy Challenge for her exceptional leadership on campus, and her expertise on faculty involvement in civic learning was recently highlighted in an article published in Forbes magazine.

A published author and core faculty member at Lincoln University, Dr. Dorssom is the author of Missouri Politics: Government in the Show-Me State. Her broader research on legislative politics, state government, and public policy has appeared in highly respected journals, including Political Behavior, Social Science Quarterly and Political Science Educator. She is also a passionate advocate for first-generation and underrepresented students and has earned multiple teaching awards for her innovative classroom instruction.

"I'm thrilled to join the executive committee and collaborate with colleagues nationwide who are dedicated to strengthening democracy through civic engagement," Dr. Dorssom said. "I look forward to continuing to build connections that further democratic participation for our students and communities."