The Truman School of Government and Public Affairs at the University of Missouri is excited to welcome Dr. Scott LaCombe to the faculty in Fall 2025. Dr. LaCombe comes to Mizzou from Smith College, bringing a nationally recognized research agenda focused on American state politics, institutional design, and policy diffusion. His work combines rigorous empirical methods with a focus on democratic responsiveness, inequality, and how public opinion influences policy. “I was impressed by the size and scope of the Truman School and the opportunities it offers for collaborative research across disciplines,” he noted. “As someone who grew up in Missouri watching Mizzou football and basketball, I was ecstatic to finally have the chance to become a Tiger!”
Dr. LaCombe’s research explores how state-level institutions—like checks-and-balances and accountability mechanisms—shape policy outcomes and their responsiveness to citizens. He also investigates how policies spread across states and how digital infrastructure, such as broadband, can enhance innovation and resilience. Truman School Director Dr. Lael Keiser remarked, “His work aligns perfectly with our mission to advance state government and policy studies.” With publications in leading journals such as the Journal of Politics and the Policy Studies Journal and a recent book from Oxford University Press, Dr. LaCombe brings strong scholarly distinction. “State and local governments offer real opportunities to make democracy stronger and more resilient,” he said. “I hope to help students develop the skills to address the challenges facing our communities.” LaCombe has a joint appointment at the Truman School and Kinder Institute.