Western Illinois University Political Science Professor Keith Boeckelman has been named the permanent associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). He has served as interim associate dean since August 2023.
Mr. Boeckelman joined WIU in 1998 as an assistant professor of political science and has since held several leadership roles. Most recently, he served as chair of WIU’s Political Science Department from 2020-2022, and previously as interim chair of the History Department from 2019-2021.
“I’m excited to continue to work with Dean Schmidt and our excellent faculty and staff to carry out our mission of fostering a top-flight educational experience, both for the majors in Arts and Sciences departments, as well as students from across the university who benefit from our enriching general education curriculum,” Mr. Boeckelman said.
Mr. Boeckelman earned his bachelor’s degree in economics and political science from Drake University and a doctorate in political science focusing on public policy and administration from the University of Illinois in 1990.
Before entering academia, he served as a staffer and analyst for the Illinois House of Representatives. In addition to his tenure at WIU, Boeckelman has taught at Texas A&M University, Louisiana State University, and the University of North Carolina at Pembroke.