Todd Schaefer

Department Chair | Professor

Teaching Interests


Political Science
African Politics, Media

 

  1. Professional Overview: Provide a brief overview of your academic and professional background.

 I came to CWU as a tenure-track Assistant Prof. in 1996 (the Clinton-Dole election), after year(s)-long stints at Colorado College and Juniata College.  Since coming here, I’ve also supervised interns with the state government in Oly, as well as Congressional offices, and numerous different campaigns for various offices, among others like politically-related non-profits. 

III. Academic Achievements: Highlight your educational achievements, including degrees earned, institutions attended, and any honors or awards. 

 BA, History/Political Science, The Colorado College (w/Honors) – 1988 

 MA & PhD Political Science, Northwestern University – 1994 

 College of the Sciences Alumni Teaching Award, CWU – 2000 

 CWU Career Services “Career Influencer” Award, 2009 

  

  1. Research Highlights: Summarize your key research interests, areas of expertise, and notable contributions to your field.

 My main areas of interest and expertise is American politics and government, with emphasis on political communication, public opinion, the mass media and the presidency, and I also dabble in African politics.   

  1. Professional Experience: Outline your professional experience, including academic appointments, administrative roles, and any relevant industry experience.

Professor of Political Science, Central Washington University, 2006-present. 

Chair, Dept. of Political Science, Central Washington University, 2005-12; 2014-17; 2021-. 

Associate Professor of Political Science, Central Washington University, 2001-06. 

Assistant Professor of Political Science, Central Washington University, 1996-2001. 

Visiting Assistant Professor of Political Science, Juniata College, 1994-96. 

Visiting Professor of Political Science, The Colorado College, 1993-94; part of 2004. 

 

  1. Publications: List a selection of your most significant publications, including books, articles, and conference papers.

Presidential Power Meets the Art of the Deal: Applying Neustadt to the Trump Presidency. Monograph. (Switzerland: Springer Nature/ Palgrave-MacMillan, 2021).  Part of Pivot and Evolving American Presidency series. 

American Politics Applied: Interactive Exercises for Inside and Outside the Classroom. With Russell Brooker. (Dubuque, IA: Kendall-Hunt, 2023). 

“Formalizing the American Brand: The Case for US Cultural, Language and Soft-Power Institutes.” With Kevin Brett. Journal of Place Branding and Public Diplomacy 15, 2 (June, 2019): 124-133. 

“Balance and Bias in Network Television News Coverage of the State of the Union Message.” With Robert Fordan. Electronic News  8, 4 (December, 2014): 274-89. 

“Framing the US Embassy Bombings and September 11 Attacks in African and US Newspapers.” In Pippa Norris, Montague Kern, and Marion Just, eds., Framing Terrorism: The News Media, the Government, and the Public (NY: Routledge, 2003) 

“Persuading the Persuaders: Presidential Speeches and Editorial Opinion.” Political Communication 14:1 (Winter, 1997): 97-112. 

 

 

VII. Courses Taught: Highlight key courses you have taught, emphasizing any innovative or unique approaches to pedagogy. 

 -American Politics (intro) -The Legislative Process 

-The American Presidency -The Politics of News 

-Campaigns & Elections -Parties and Interest Groups 

-Freedom & Authority (First-Year Seminar) 

In my classes, I often use formal class debates on issues or reforms, as well as developing online interactive exercises to supplement course material in hybrid formats. 

VIII. Professional Memberships: List any professional organizations or societies of which you are a member. 

American Political Science Association 

Pacific Northwest Political Science Association. 

Phi Beta Kappa academic liberal arts honor society (via Colorado College) 

Pi Sigma Alpha, Political Science Honor Society 

  1. Diversity and Inclusivity: Share any efforts or initiatives you have been involved in to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion within your academic or professional community.

I was part of a committee in conjunction with Latino and Latin American Studies to hire, and then design the performance criteria, for a joint-appointment Latino-focused position in LLAS and Political Science, 2007-08.  

  1. Personal Touch (Optional): Feel free to add a personal touch, such as hobbies, interests, or a brief statement that reflects your personality.
    I have been an op-ed contributor on public and current affairs for the Ellensburg Daily Record newspaper since early 2000s. 

My wife and I have been married for more than 3 decades, and I have two feline sons (here) and four human step-grandkids (elsewhere). 

Outside of the academy, I like to (cautiously) risk life and limb and “green” outdoor adventures like hiking, kayaking, and cycling. 


  1.  Visual Element (Optional): Consider adding a professional photo to accompany your bio. If you choose to include one, please ensure it meets the recommended guidelines for professional representation.

Contact

Farrell Hall 416