Headshot of Thomas Kerr

Thomas Kerr

Assistant Teaching Professor of Political Science and Public Policy

Department: Political Science and Public Policy

Office and address: Gray Pavilion - Pol. Science, Office 101D 2333 Campus Box Elon, NC 27244

Phone number: (336) 278-6430

Professional Expertise

International Relations, International Terrorism, Intrastate Conflict, Self-Determination Movements, U.S. Foreign Policy

Brief Biography

Tom Kerr is a Resident Lecturer of Political Science and Policy Studies at Elon University. Tom has earned a B.A. in History from The Pennsylvania State University, a B.A. in Political Science from The Pennsylvania State University, a M.A. in International Conflict Resolution from Norwich University, a M.A. in Political Science from The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill, and a Ph.D. in International Relations at Salve Regina University. Tom's research and teaching interests focus on International Relations, Transnational Terrorism, Self-Determination Movements, and Foreign Policy.

Tom is a military veteran having served eight years on Active Duty in the U.S. Navy as a Surface Warfare Officer and Intelligence Analyst. 

News & Notes

Education

B.A. Political Science - The Pennsylvania State University (2008)

B.A. History - The Pennsylvania State University (2008)

M.A. International Conflict Resolution - Norwich University (2013)

M.A. Political Science - The University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (2021)

Ph.D. International Relations - Salve Regina University (2023)

Employment History

USS Anzio (CG 68) - Strike Warfare Officer

Office for the Admistrative Review of the Detention of Enemy Combatants - Flag Aide to RADM Jorge

Riverine Squadron Three - N1A

Office of Naval Intelligence - Intelligence Analyst, SABER Division

Courses Taught

POL 1110 - American Politics

POL 1120 - North Carolina State Legislature

POL 1140 - Model United Nations

POL 1410 - International Relations

POL 1610 - Comparative Politics

POL 3780 - Terrorism and the Global Order

POL 3920 - Contemporary Global Issues

PST 3720 - US Foreign Policy

Leadership Positions

Vice President - North Carolina Political Science Association

Faculty Advisor - Model United Nations

Faculty Advisor - North Carolina Student Legislature

Policy Studies Advisory Board

Peace and Conflict Studies Advisory Board

American Studies Advisory Board

Research

Tom's current research focuses the state-sponshorship of self-determination movements. 

Presentations

2024 North Carolina Political Science Association Conference

Awards

Corey Award: Advisor of the Year - NCSL (2022)