Former New Jersey governor and University of Delaware alumnus Chris Christie will examine the question of character in executive leadership as the speaker for this year’s James R. Soles Lecture on the Constitution and Citizenship on Thursday, Sept. 19, at 4 p.m. in Clayton Hall.

Christie, who graduated from UD with a degree in political science in 1984, is the managing member of the Christie Law Firm and Christie 55 Solutions. Christie served two terms as governor of New Jersey from 2010 to 2018, during which time he was elected chairman of the Republican Governors Association and to the National Governors Association Executive Committee. He chaired the President’s Commission on Combating Drug Addiction and the Opioid Crisis in 2017. 

Previously, Christie was the U.S. attorney for the District of New Jersey from 2002 to 2008. He was in private practice of law from 1987 to 2001, specializing in corporate law, securities matters and appellate advocacy.

Christie was a Republican candidate for president in 2016 and 2024. In 2021, he authored Republican Rescue, which outlined his prescription for the future of the national GOP.

“The extent to which character matters and the extent to which people of good character become political leaders is an important question,” said David Redlawsk, James R. Soles Professor and chair of the Department of Political Science and International Relations.

“I hope that the lecture will challenge the audience in their thinking and that they will take away a recommitment to the importance of citizenship; the importance of engaging in the political process. We have a very interesting figure in recent political history giving a talk at a very challenging time in our nation’s history.”

Registration for the event is required by Sept. 12.

About the Soles Lecture

The James R. Soles Lecture is held annually around Constitution Day, which commemorates the signing of the U.S. Constitution in Philadelphia on Sept. 17, 1787. The lecture honors the deep impact Soles, who was a political science faculty member for more than 34 years, had on generations of UD students, faculty, staff and the state of Delaware.

“Jim Soles was very concerned about political engagement and the responsibilities of citizenship,”  Redlawsk said. “He was the epitome of someone who lived what he taught.”

Soles, who died in October 2010, received the University’s Excellence in Teaching Award twice and its Excellence in Advising Award, as well as the University’s Medal of Distinction. He received many honors and recognitions in his distinguished career, but he is still best remembered for his personal dedication to teaching and to his students, hundreds of whom have served or continue to serve the public and their communities throughout the United States.

About the James R. Soles Citizenship Endowment

Many of Soles’ former students and colleagues created and contributed to the James R. Soles Citizenship Endowment in honor of Soles’ lifelong commitment to public service. The endowment supports a named professorship, undergraduate citizenship stipends and graduate fellowships. Recipients have used this support in a wide range of accomplishments.​