Davenport, James

James Davenport was appointed as the Associate Dean for Social Sciences in the Liberal Arts & Sciences division of Rose State College in August 2021. In this role he works closely with the Social Sciences adjunct faculty and program coordinators. James also works closely with the leadership of the division (Dean of the Liberal Arts & Sciences, Toni Castillo and Associate Dean for Humanities, Jeff Conkin) to set policy and provide support to the full-time faculty in the division. 

James is an award-winning professor who combines a strong academic background in Political Science with practical experience in a variety of areas related to his discipline. Known as an engaging and innovative educator with a strong passion for learning, Professor Davenport is a two-time recipient of the Oklahoma Political Science Association’s “Teacher of the Year Award” (2016 and 2021) and received the Rose State College “Excellence in Teaching Award” in 2017. 

Professor Davenport served as the President of the Oklahoma Political Science Association (OPSA) in 2019. The OPSA brings together scholars and practitioners from all fields of inquiry and occupational endeavors within and outside academia to foster a better understanding of the political issues, institutions, processes, and actors that shape the civic life of Oklahoma and the United States. Professor Davenport was appointed president of OPSA following his term as the 2018 program chair for the organization’s annual conference which was hosted by Rose State College. 

Professor Davenport was accepted into the doctoral program at Swansea University (Wales, UK) in 2019 and his research focuses on the impact of personal relationships on legislator accomplishments. He is also the founder of the “Great Debates” panel series at Rose State College. This series invites academics, practitioners, and other experts on various topics to share their knowledge and insights with the students, faculty, and community of Rose State College. He has also hosted a book club for students and served as a co-facilitator for multiple student colloquia. These programs are currently managed by Professor Davenport’s colleague, Dr. Emily Stacey. Together, Professor Davenport and Dr. Stacey also produce a regular podcast titled “Not My Generation” which can be found on the RSC YouTube page. 

James has been a frequent presenter for the Oklahoma Council on Economic Education (OCEE) and has made a variety of presentations to community groups and campus organizations. In addition, his commentaries on political, economic, and social issues have been published by the Foundation for Economic Education (FEE), the Oklahoman, NonDoc.com, and the McCarville Report Online, and reprinted internationally. He is has been interviewed by journalists across Oklahoma, the U.S., and internationally. 

Professor Davenport earned his Master’s Degree in Political Science from the University of Central Oklahoma and his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science from Southern Nazarene University. He has taught the following courses: 

• American Federal Government
• Introduction to Political Science
• Campaigns & Elections
• Mass Media & Politics
• Comparative Political Systems
• State & Local Government
• Political Theory (Currently co-taught with Guy Crain)
• Comparative Economic Systems
• International Economics
• Microeconomics
• Social Issues and Economics

Professor Davenport’s research interests include:

• Congress and American Legislatures
• Political Ideologies and Political Philosophy
• Economic Perceptions & Behaviors
• Political Economy
• Classical Liberalism & Human Flourishing
• Economic History & Human Progress

In addition to his academic expertise, James also has practical experience in a variety of political positions, including working for a member of Congress, serving as the chief-of-staff for a local government official, working for a public opinion research firm, founding a public relations and campaign consulting firm, and hosting a local talk radio program. James is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and he has even run for political office.

James was born and raised in Oklahoma City, where he and his wife live with their children.