Dr. Shauna Reilly Honored as Regents Professor

August 29, 2022 - Northern Kentucky University celebrates Dr. Shauna Reilly with the Regents Professorship, recognizing her academic and advisory achievements and contributions to the core values of the university. 

Dr. Reilly is a professor of political science at NKU and she teaches classes in American politics, state politics, and political behavior. Additionally, Dr. Reilly serves as the director of Institute for Student Research and Creativity, which engages, supports, enhances and acknowledges the involvement of students and their faculty mentors in research, scholarship and creative activities throughout campus. 

“Shauna is a highly regarded political scientist with an exceptional record of scholarship that has been recognized by her peers through research awards, editor positions, elected positions in her professional organizations and perhaps most importantly, through numerous awards for her students that have presented their research regionally and nationally,” Samantha Langley, vice provost for Graduation Education, Research and Outreach, said. “Shauna is also a stellar example of a university citizen that embraces NKU's core values, especially with regard to the creativity and innovation she has shown in elevating our student research experiences, and the celebrations of those experiences.” 

Dr. Reilly has embodied NKU’s values in alignment with the Success by Design strategic framework. Through her work with the Institute for Student Research and Creativity, Dr. Reilly heads up the annual Experiential Learning Week, which highlights student work in four high impact practices – study abroad, internships, service learning and student research/creativity. The events include keynote speakers discussing why students should be involved in experiential learning, as well as panel discussions and a showcase of student work and research, involving all the colleges on campus, recognizing and showcasing the diversity of the educational opportunities at NKU. 

“I’m honored to be recognized by my colleagues, Provost Matt Cecil, NKU and the Board of Regents with the Regents Professorship. I never expected my scholarship would be recognized in this way,” Dr. Reilly said. “I am very honored to receive this recognition, highlighting the research I have conducted in my field. Involving NKU students in research has been a highlight of my career thus far.”  

Originally from Canada, Dr. Reilly received her undergraduate degree from Queen’s University. She received her master’s degree in professional politics and her Ph.D. in American politics from Georgia State University. 

The Regents Professorship, which was established by the Northern Kentucky University Board of Regents, aims to recognize professors at NKU who exemplify NKU’s values and have brought acclaim to the university through an exceptional record of achievements in scholarship and creative activity.