Ramazan Kilinc, Ph. D., and Professor of Political Science Named Director of School of Government & International Affairs
KENNESAW, Ga. (Apr 25, 2024) — Dean Catherine Kaukinen announced today that Ramazan Kilinc, Ph.D., will become the new Director of the School for Government and International Affairs (SGIA) at the Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences effective July 1, 2024. SGIA offers bachelor’s degrees in political science and international affairs, a Master of Public Administration, and a Master of Science in International Policy Management, as well as several Minors and Certificate programs.
Dr. Kilinc joins the Radow College with an extensive background of teaching, publishing, and actively engaging in his community with a focus on developing youth and their understanding of democracy, policymaking, and “empowerment through engagement.” His pedagogical expertise and academic leadership align well with the Radow College’s goal of delivering rigorous academic excellence in this field.
“I am incredibly excited to be joining Kennesaw State University and Norman J. Radow College during what I see as a pivotal time for cultures and communities around the world,” said Dr. Kilinc. “Politics, democracy, and the process of crafting policy are changing faster than ever, especially in the context of AI and the speed of global communication. It is essential to develop younger generations and teach them the skills of leadership, critical thinking, and the ability to advance innovative policy and planning that enhances communities for their citizens,” he added.
In his role as SGIA Director, Dr. Kilinc will provide leadership through academic program oversight, research initiatives and outreach, budget management, and support for fundraising initiatives on behalf of the school. He will also work closely with faculty and staff to enhance student success, scholarship, and outreach.
He joins us from the University of Nebraska at Omaha and has been honored on multiple occasions for his teaching accomplishments. He is the recipient of the 2021 system-wide University of Nebraska Outstanding Teaching and Instructional Creativity Award, the 2022 campus-wide Faculty Service Learning Award, the 2020 campus-wide Excellence in Teaching Award, and the 2018 college-wide Alumni Outstanding Teacher Award. He has taught courses on government and international relations of the Middle East.
His service and leadership activities have included being director of the graduate program in Political Science Department, being the Goldstein Family Community Chair in Human Rights, serving as a leadership faculty fellow in Academic Affairs, being director of the Islamic Studies Program, and serving as the academic coordinator for the Balkan Youth Leaders Civic Engagement Fellowship at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
He is the author of Alien Citizens: State and Religious Minorities in Turkey and France (Cambridge University Press, 2020) and a co-author of Generating Generosity in Catholicism and Islam: Beliefs, Institutions and Public Goods Provision (Cambridge University Press, 2018). He is the editor of a blog page, Siyasa: A Forum on Islamic and Middle Eastern Politics. His most recent articles appeared in Comparative Politics, Political Science Quarterly, Politics and Religion, Studies in Conflict and Terrorism, Religion, State, and Society, and Turkish Studies. He is the recipient of the 2021 college-wide Research and Creative Activity Award in the College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
Dr. Kilinc received his Ph.D. (2008) from Arizona State University and M.A. (2001) and B.A. (1999) from Bilkent University, Turkey. He previously taught in James Madison College at Michigan State University.
