About

Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson 

Dr. Laura Merrifield Wilson is a distinguished Professor and Academic Advisor at the University of Indianapolis, where she has served since 2014. A dedicated educator, she was honored with the Teacher of the Year Award in 2021, a prestigious recognition given to one professor across the university for exemplifying the highest standards of teaching.

Academic and Research Excellence

Dr. Wilson’s scholarly work focuses on the intersection of gender, race, and politics. She is a prolific author whose publications include:

• Books: She authored Lurleen Burns Wallace: The Power of the First Lady Governor (2020) and co-edited the 2025 textbook The Exciting Dynamics of State and Local Government.

• Peer-Reviewed Research: Her work has appeared in the Midwest Social Sciences Journal, Indiana Magazine of History, and SAGE Research Methods.

• Current Projects: She is currently developing a book manuscript titled Secretaries (of State): 35 Years of Women Leadership in Alabama.

Prolific Media Presence

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Wilson is a prominent Media Analyst, providing expert political commentary across various platforms.

• Television: Since 2015, she has been a regular cast member on IN Focus with Dan Spehler, a weekly political news show syndicated statewide in Indiana.

• Radio: She is the host and producer of Positively Politics, a weekly political analysis show on WICR 88.7.

• Digital Journalism: She serves as a bi-monthly columnist for the Indiana Capital Chronicle.

• Honors: In 2017, she received an Emmy Award for her work on the IN Focus cast for the best regional political newscast.

Community Leadership and Board Service

Recognized as a leader in her field, Dr. Wilson was named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s "Forty Under 40" class of 2022. Her commitment to civic engagement is reflected in her extensive board service:

• Indiana Debate Commission: Serving as a Board Member since 2022.

• Girl Scouts of Central Indiana: Executive Board Member and Secretary, also serving on the Strategic Plan and Investment Committees.

• Indiana Political Science Association: Past President (2018–2021) and current At-Large Board Member.

• Indiana Academy of Social Sciences: Served as an Executive Board Member from 2018 to 2022.

Dr. Wilson holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Alabama. In addition to her teaching and media roles, she has led the Gender Center and the Pre-Law program at the University of Indianapolis.