Martin named Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs

Stephanie “Sam” Martin has been selected as the next Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs in the School of Public Service.

Martin comes to Boise State from Southern Methodist University, where she taught corporate communication and public affairs.

“Dr. Sam Martin is an excellent fit for the School of Public Service and the position of Church Chair. She brings to us many years of public scholarship and media appearances, and her research will help further the Frank Church Institute’s democracy initiatives,” said Andrew Giacomazzi, interim dean of the School of Public Service

Martin specializes in American democracy and also researches the relationship between freedom of speech and freedom of religion in the public sphere. Martin’s latest book “Decoding the Digital Church: Megachurch Storytelling and the Election of Donald J. Trump,” was named 2021 Book of the Year by Word & Way.

Martin grew up in Boise and received her undergraduate degree from Boise State University. “Frank Church’s life and legacy animated my graduate work,” said Martin. “Part of what drew me to studying conservative voters was my wish to understand how the politics of my home state had changed so much.”

Martin fills the position vacated by Steve Feldstein, who left Boise State in 2019.

Martin will begin her role as associate professor in the School of Public Service and Frank and Bethine Church Endowed Chair of Public Affairs in August.

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