Anthony Michael Kreis ’08, a renowned constitutional law scholar and advocate, has built an impressive career that blends academic excellence with active civic engagement. Now a professor at Georgia State University’s College of Law, Kreis’ work focuses on constitutional law, the history of American democracy, and the intricate ways law and society influence one another over time.
A proud native of Clinton, New Jersey, Professor Kreis discovered his love for academia during his undergraduate years at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he majored in political science.
“I loved Carolina,” Kreis recalled. “Had I not taken a judicial politics class at UNC, I may never have become a professor. As a first-generation college graduate, Carolina ensured I had doors open to me I could have never dreamed.”
Kreis’ journey from a curious undergrad living in Old East Residence Hall — an experience he described as “prime real estate” for rushing Franklin Street after UNC’s sports victories — to a nationally recognized scholar is nothing short of remarkable. He went on to earn a JD from Washington & Lee University in 2011 and a PhD from the University of Georgia in 2016.
In his academic career, Kreis has published widely, with his recent book, Rot and Revival: The History of Constitutional Law in American Political Development, earning accolades upon its 2024 release. His articles have appeared in prestigious law reviews, including those of George Washington University, Illinois and Wisconsin, as well as online companions to Yale and Harvard Law Journals. His expertise has made him a sought-after commentator for global media outlets such as The New York Times, CNN and the BBC.
Beyond academia, Kreis has made a significant impact in the fight for civil rights. In 2017, he authored the Illinois law banning gay and transgender panic defenses in murder trials, which has since become a model for other states. He has also co-authored amicus briefs in landmark Supreme Court cases, including Bostock v. Clayton County.
“The one thing I learned from my experience at UNC and beyond is the importance of paying it forward,” Kreis emphasized. “My success is due to people investing in me and seeing my potential, even when I did not.”
In his adopted home of Atlanta, Georgia, Kreis continues his dual mission of teaching and community involvement. He testifies on pressing public policy issues, collaborates with community stakeholders, and frequently shares his expertise with the public to deepen understanding of democracy and civil rights.
“I am a true believer in the power of education,” he said. “Academics have a duty to contribute to the public’s knowledge where they reasonably can.”
Reflecting on his personal journey, Kreis credits Carolina for providing the foundation for his achievements and personal growth.
“Carolina allowed me to discover myself without fear for the first time,” he shared. “Coming from a small town, I never had a sense of shared community where I was free to be myself. That all changed in Chapel Hill. It was a real gift.”
Today, Kreis exemplifies the transformative power of education, scholarship and advocacy, inspiring both his students and his broader community to envision a more equitable and informed society.
Member spotlight was originally featured in our Winter 2025 newsletter.