Western Carolina University

Professionally active and representing a diverse and broad range of interests and backgrounds, our faculty are determined to provide you with a world-class education that will prepare you to compete and find success in the fields of political science and public administration …  anywhere!

Leading locally, within the Western community and across the region, our faculty members are committed to your education. Leaders in their disciplines, they are widely respected for their research and dedication to their fields.

Their real-world knowledge translates into the classroom by providing you with a depth of academic experience and practical understanding that will prepare you to excel in today’s world of politics and public administration.

Browse the links below and get to know our faculty.

Full-Time Faculty & Staff

Chris Cooper	Ph.D.; Department Head; Associate Professor; American Politics, Public Administration, Research Methods
Todd Collins	Ph.D.; Public Policy Institute Director, Associate Professor; Public Law, Judicial Politics
Fred Fisher	M.P.A.; Instructor; American Politics
John (Jay) Gerlach	Ph.D.; Assistant Professor; Public Administration, Public Policy
Roger Hartley	Ph.D.; Associate Professor, MPA Director; Public Administration, Judicial Politics
Phyllis Hoffman	Administrative Support Associate
Don Livingston	Ph.D.; Professor; American Politics, Congress, Presidency
Michael McDonald	A.B.D.; Instructor; International Relations, Comparative Politics
Gordon Mercer	Professor Emeritus
Niall Michelsen	Ph.D.; Associate Professor; International Relations
Na'ama Nagar	Ph.D.; Assistant Professor; Comparative Politics, International Relations
James Newman	Ph.D.; Visiting Assistant Professor; Public Policy, Public Administration
Jennifer Schiff	Ph.D.; Assistant Professor; International Relations, Comparative Politics
Vickey Wade	M.A.; Director of Local Government and Training Program (LGTP)

Part-Time Faculty & Staff

Claudia Bryant	Ph.D.; Instructor
Andy Coburn	M.E.M; Adjunct Faculty
Paul Dezendorf	Ph.D.; Adjunct Faculty
Wayne Knight	M.S.; Adjunct Instructor
Don Kostelec	M.A.; Adjunct Faculty
Jeff Richardson	M.P.A.; Adjunct Faculty
Mary Walsh	M.P.A.; Adjunct Faculty