David Timmerman

David Timmerman serves as Provost, Chief Operating Officer, and Professor of Rhetoric at Carthage College, demonstrating a dual commitment to academic leadership and scholarly research in rhetorical studies. His administrative responsibilities as Provost and COO position him at the highest levels of institutional governance while maintaining his active faculty status.

Professor Timmerman's research interests center on Classical Greek Rhetoric, Platonic philosophical discourse, political rhetoric, and the intersection of religious beliefs with rhetorical practices. His scholarly approach combines historical analysis with contemporary application, examining how ancient rhetorical traditions inform modern discourse on race, democracy, and faith in educational settings. His work demonstrates particular expertise in analyzing how rhetorical strategies function within religious sermons across different historical periods.

The trajectory of Timmerman's scholarly publications reveals a consistent focus on classical rhetorical traditions while progressively expanding into contemporary applications. His work shows increasing engagement with issues of race, religious identity, and democratic discourse, particularly in his more recent publications. He has made significant contributions to understanding how ancient rhetorical frameworks can illuminate modern social and political issues, especially regarding the role of faith in academic spaces and the rhetorical strategies employed in discussions of race and citizenship.

As Provost and COO, Timmerman oversees academic affairs and institutional operations at Carthage College while maintaining an active research agenda. His leadership extends beyond traditional administrative duties to include scholarly editing, as evidenced by his co-editorship of 'Rhetoric & Democracy: Pedagogical and Political Practices' with Todd F. McDorman. His academic influence spans multiple disciplines including communication studies, philosophy, religious studies, and political science.

Professor Timmerman's scholarly network includes collaborations with notable academics across various institutions, as indicated by his connections with scholars from State University of New York, York University, Pittsburgh Theological Seminary, and others. His research bridges theoretical frameworks with practical applications, particularly in educational settings where he examines how religious convictions interact with academic inquiry and composition pedagogy.