معرفی
Steven Michels is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Political Science and Global Affairs at Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT, where he has been teaching since 2002. He also serves as Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and has held leadership positions at both the university level and within the College of Arts and Sciences. His academic career spans over two decades with a focus on political theory, higher education, and the intersection of popular culture with political philosophy.
Dr. Michels earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Loyola University Chicago (1998-2002), an M.A. in Political Science & Government from the University of Georgia (1996-1998), and a B.S. in Political Science & Government from Eastern Michigan University (completed 1996).
Michels' research interests span a diverse range of topics within political science and beyond. His primary focus is on political theory, with particular attention to democratic theory and culture. He has made significant contributions to the understanding of higher education systems, sustainable development, and media studies. A distinctive aspect of his work is his exploration of how popular culture—from literature like The Wheel of Time series and Native Son to television shows like House of Cards and The Daily Show—reflects and shapes political thought and democratic engagement. His scholarship often bridges traditional political philosophy with contemporary cultural phenomena, examining how works of fiction and popular media address fundamental questions about democracy, work, and social mobility.
Michels' recent publications demonstrate a growing engagement with contemporary challenges facing democratic societies. His work increasingly addresses the impact of technology on education and democracy, as seen in his 2023 article 'Teaching (with) Artificial Intelligence: The Next Twenty Years.' He has also expanded into climate change politics, media's role in political movements, and the working class experience in America. A recurring theme throughout his scholarship is the examination of how cultural narratives shape political understanding and democratic practice.
Among his notable achievements are:
- Promotion to Professor (2016)
- Faculty Excellence Award from University College (2015)
- SHU Teacher of the Year & Scholar of the Year (2012/2013)
- SHU participant at Collegium: A Colloquy on Faith and Intellectual Life (2004)
As an academic leader, Michels currently serves as Chair of the Department of Political Science and Global Affairs while also holding the position of Associate Dean of Academic Affairs. He is actively involved in the Davis Educational Foundation project 'Critical Thinking Across the Curriculum' as Principal Investigator. Michels accepts PhD students and has demonstrated commitment to mentoring through his recognition as Teacher and Scholar of the Year. His editorial work includes service with the Association for the Assessment of Learning in Higher Education (AALHE) journal from 2017-2020.
Outside his formal academic roles, Michels engages with the public through media appearances, with 29 press/media mentions documented, often providing expert commentary on political events such as vice-presidential debates. He has also edited significant scholarly collections, including 'Scenes from the American Working Class: This Hard Land' (2025) and 'Science Fiction and Political Philosophy: From Bacon to Black Mirror' (2022).
