Brian Kessel

Dr. Brian Kessel is an Associate Professor at the School of Arts & Sciences, Columbia College, where he has worked since 2000. He serves as the Director of the General Education Program and advises the Model United Nations team and the political science honor society, Pi Sigma Alpha.

• Education: B.A. in German and Political Science (University of Northern Iowa), Ph.D. in Political Science (University of Iowa)

Research and Teaching Focus: Dr. Kessel specializes in comparative politics and international relations, with courses covering U.S. foreign policy, European and Asian politics, international law, and dynamics of terrorism. His work emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches to political science education and public administration.

Academic Leadership: He has held visiting teaching positions at Kalamazoo College and Western Illinois University prior to joining Columbia College, and his current role includes shaping the institution’s general education curriculum.