College of Arts and Science
History and Political Science
B.A., 1995, University of North Texas
Ph.D., 2007, University of Massachusetts
Dr. Claborn came to ONU from the doctoral program at the University of Massachusetts in 2006. His dissertation showed that when individual American states attempt to increase religious freedom, they aren't any more successful than states that don't, but both are more successful than the federal government. Similar research of his appears in the Journal of Church and State.
His teaching interests span the field of political science, and complement the methods of Olivet’s other political scientist, Dr. David Van Heemst. He is a regular participant in debates and discussions sponsored by the Capitol Hill Gang, an Olivet student club.
Dr. Claborn's experience outside the classroom includes working at Francis Schaeffer's L'Abri high in the Swiss Alps; traveling with the Texas Instruments legal team on a $1.5 billion case (they won); and managing an incumbent congressman's reelection campaign (they won that one, too).
For relaxation and fun, he enjoys cycling; Sox baseball (Red and White); woodworking; and spending time with his wife, Heather, and their children — son, Cal, and daughter, Molly.