Villanova University was founded in 1842 by the Order of Saint Augustine. To this day, Villanova’s Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition is the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. Villanova prepares students to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them.


The strength of the Villanova experience comes in part from the University’s welcoming community. All members are bonded together by a shared responsibility to uphold the ideals of Saint Augustine and let the principles of truth, unity and love guide their lives. The Villanova community helps students grow intellectually, professionally and spiritually, and challenges them to reach their full potential.


The University’s rigorous academic experience, rooted in the liberal arts, forms an environment in which students and professors are partners in learning. The Villanova community is dedicated to providing a personalized experience that fosters every student’s intellectual and spiritual well-being. As part of their education, students are encouraged to enrich their own lives by working for those in need. Through academic and service programs, students use their knowledge, skills and compassion to better the world around them.


There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University’s six colleges—the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. These colleges are the setting for an experience that develops both the heart and the mind, and creates the atmosphere where students are called to ignite change.


Villanova University is located in a suburban community 12 miles west of Philadelphia, Pa.

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This concise guide breaks down a complicated topic―the First Amendment―and makes it understandable and fun.  The book walks briskly through cases, rules, and theories to draw a reader-friendly road map of the First Amendment. Two law school deans and First Amendment enthusiasts, Bob Power and Mark Alexander, synthesize principles with memorable examples and a sharp wit. Their analysis reveals the common sense behind much First Amendment law, and at the same time identifies some of its flaws and inconsistencies.  The book addresses the deep historic roots as well as current problems such as campaign finance, hate speech, and electronic communications.  It is equally useful as a general guide as it is for preparing for class and for exams (including the bar!).

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This efficient book takes the complex subject matter of Constitutional Law and makes it easier to understand and digest. World-renowned Seton Hall Law Professor Mark Alexander carefully explains the key concepts involved in Con Law and also brings it home with straightforward explanations of why you are reading and discussing the cases you are assigned every day. The subject matter runs the gamut from Marbury v. Madison and the structural side of the course to Due Process and Equal Protection. In addition, he provides exam-taking tips, and general words of guidance on how to make it through law school, and beyond, to a rewarding legal career.Learn more about this series at ShortandHappyGuides.com.

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Mark C. Alexander, JD is the Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law at the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Alexander’s areas of expertise include constitutional law, election law and the First Amendment. His research interests focus on the constitutional dimensions of election law and campaign reform. Alexander previously served as advisor for Barack Obama's 2008 presidential campaign and later served on the transition team following the election. Dean Alexander also served as general counsel on Cory Booker's 2006 campaign for mayor of Newark, N.J.

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As the midterm elections approach, there will be a lot of discussion about the different aspects of election law. It’s clear many Americans question the electoral process, which may not be a surprise given the many issues, like gerrymandering and voting rights, that continue to take the national spotlight.  

Prior to the 2000 Presidential Election, few scholars focused on election law. But, Bush v. Gore changed everything – including how it was taught in the classroom. 

At Villanova Law, Dean Mark Alexander, JD (pictured above), is involved first-hand in teaching students the laws regulating the democratic process, how political campaigns are run, and legal issues impacting the electoral process. His goal, one of many, is for his students to leave being able to provide advice and make strategic decisions in the context of Election Law, based on analysis of applicable law, legally relevant facts, and policy implications. 

“I give my students three different types of ballots to demonstrate three different ways to cast and count votes,” Alexander recently tweeted. “The results decide what material we cover in class. They get to see democracy and elections on a local scale with small but immediate consequences.”

“Their engagement is through the roof,” Alexander told The National Law Journal. “Part of it is that we all see things in our daily lives. If you’re learning about it contemporaneously in your class, that brings a different level of engagement. I also put the students in charge of the class, in this regard, so they are driving the content in a way that’s not typical.”

This is an issue that will continue to be talked about until November 6 – and most likely after. The lesson that comes from all of this? Alexander says, “Election rules shape election outcomes.”

To speak with Dean Alexander, click on his headshot above or email mediaexperts@villanova.edu. 

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Arthur J. Kania Dean and Professor of Law | Charles Widger School of Law

Villanova Charles Widger School of Law Dean Mark Alexander discusses whether or not the President would be able to pardon himself on MSNBC's AM Joy.

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Mark Alexander, dean of the Villanova Charles Widger School of Law, discusses the recount in states following the 2016 presidential election on MSNBC's AM Joy.

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Villanova Charles Widger School of Law Dean Mark Alexander joined MSNBC's AM Joy to discuss if we are in the midst of a constitutional crisis.

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