Darren Wheeler
Department Chair of Political Science and Professor of Political Science
American Politics / Legal Studies
Curriculum Vitae
About Darren Wheeler
Darren Wheeler is a Professor of Political Science at Ball State University, where he specializes in constitutional law, judicial politics, the American presidency, and the politics of terrorism.
He earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from Miami University, and his research examines the intersection of law, politics, and national security, with particular attention to presidential power, the War on Terror, judicial decision-making, and civil liberties. He is the author of Congress and the War on Terror: Making Policy for the Long War (Praeger, 2018) and Presidential Power in Action: Implementing Supreme Court Detainee Decisions (Palgrave Macmillan, 2008), as well as co-author of several books examining social media, higher education, and student success. His scholarship has appeared in such journals as Presidential Studies Quarterly, PS: Political Science & Politics, and Teaching Public Administration.
In addition to his teaching and research, Dr. Wheeler has held several leadership roles at Ball State University, including Chair of the Department of Political Science, and Interim Director of Legal Studies. He has also contributed extensively to university governance, curriculum development, and student engagement and initiatives. His teaching emphasizes connecting political science education to careers, civic engagement, and practical applications of political knowledge.
Dr. Wheeler regularly presents his research at national and regional conferences. His recent work focuses on immigration and national security, career development in political science education, and strengthening connections between academic programs and professional opportunities.
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
Connecting Classrooms to Careers in Political Science: A Job-Centered Approach to the Discipline (with Dr. Brandon Waite) (Bloomsbury Publishing, November 2026).
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
“Internship Alternatives: Solutions for the COVID-19 Pandemic and Beyond.” Teaching Public Administration (with Dr. Brandon Waite) (Fall, 2021).
“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)