Welcome!

I’m Jonathan Ruff — a political scientist, educator, and policy narrative scholar. I study how stories shape public policy, with a focus on space-defense and low-salience issues. My work uses the Narrative Policy Framework (NPF) to examine how narratives influence institutions, rules, and public administration.

I am an Assistant Professor of Political Science in the School of American and Global Studies at South Dakota State University. My courses include US Gov’t, State & Local Gov’t, American Civics, Public Administration, and the political science Capstone. In the classroom, I emphasize engagement, critical thinking, and connecting policy to everyday life.

Beyond teaching and research, I’m passionate about making complex policy issues accessible; illuminating the stories behind the systems that shape our world.

Thanks for visiting!

Contact Me:

• Bluesky
• GitHub
• LinkedIn
• Mail