Jack MacLennan
Associate Professor of Political Science;
Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives and Communications;
Special Assistant to the President for Governance, Park University.
PhD in Political Science (2016) with Comps in International Relations and Political Theory
I currently serve as Senior Director for Strategic Initiatives and Communications and Special Assistant to the President for Governance at Park University in Parkville, MO (just outside Kansas City). In this role, it is my job to engage multiple campus and external stakeholders in developing, implementing, and communicating our vision for the future of Park University. More details can be found in Park’s official press release. I was granted tenure and promotion to Associate Professor of Political Science in the spring of 2023 before moving into this administrative position. Before this transition, I was also Graduate Program Director for National Security Studies (2019-2024). Over my years at Park, I’ve been awarded the President’s Award for Teaching Excellence (2020) and the Dusing-Proudfoot Award (2023) for outstanding contributions to the university community. My most recent publication is a chapter in the Palgrave Handbook of International Relations Theory Pedagogy regarding online instruction.
Though I am no longer a full-time faculty member, my background in political science and doctoral training are still essential parts of my toolset. In my role the ability to do research, synthesize insight, and deploy specific research methods are still essential. But, it’s probably the curiosity and openness to deep reflection that I developed at Carleton that still shape how I approach my current role.