Darren Wheeler
Professor of Political Science
American Politics / Legal Studies
Curriculum Vitae
About Darren Wheeler
Dr. Wheeler joined the Political Science Department in the Fall of 2009 and served as Department Chair from 2018-2022. His teaching focuses on judicial politics, the American Presidency, and constitutional law. His research area deals with civil liberties in the War on Terror, judicial/policy implementation, and social media use. Dr. Wheeler has taught The Judiciary (POLS 433), Constitutional Law (POLS 443), and Civil Liberties (POLS 444), American National Government (POLS 130), The Presidency (POLS 432), U.S Foreign Policy (POLS 330), and The Politics of Terrorism (POLS 494) at the undergraduate level.
Two of his recent books, Presidential Power in Action: Implementing Supreme Court Detainee Decisions (2008) and Congress and the War on Terror: Making Policy for the Long War (2018) examine how U.S. political institutions have responded to the 9/11 attacks.
Education
Ph.D. Political Science, Miami University (OH)
M.A. Political Science, Western Illinois University
B.S. Law Enforcement Administration & Political Science, Western Illinois University
Selected Research and Publications
Books
Social Media and Student Affairs (with Dr. Brandon Waite) (Rowman & Littlefield, 2020).
Congress and the War on Terror: Making Policy for the Long War (Praeger Publishing, August 2018).
Understanding and Using Social Media on College Campuses: A Practical Guide for Higher Education Professionals (with Dr. Brandon Waite) (Rowman & Littlefield, 2016).
Presidential Power in Action: Implementing Supreme Court Detainee Decisions (Palgrave-MacMillan, 2008).
Peer Reviewed Articles
“The ‘Liked’ Department: Using Facebook Analytics for Strategic Communication” (with Dr. Brandon Waite) – PS: Political Science & Politics 47:3 (July 2014): 667-73.
“Reading Presidential War Powers Narrowly: Politics and Presidential Self-Interest.” Homeland Security Review 7:2 (Summer 2013): 151-170.
“Checking Presidential Detention Power in the War on Terror: What Should We Expect from the Judiciary?” Presidential Studies Quarterly 39:4 (2009): 677-700.
Honors and Awards
Indiana Campus Compact – Electoral Engagement Grant (2018)
Living Learning Community Student Programs Grant (2017)
ASPIRE New Faculty Startup Grant (2009)
Nominee for Outstanding Undergraduate Teaching Award (2006 & 2008)