Kenneth Betsalel, Ph.D.
Dr. Ken Betsalel is a political theorists who specializes in origins of democracy, contemporary political ideologies, American political thought and civic engagement through community service learning. He began teaching in UNC Asheville’s Political Science Department in 1990, and retired in 2024.
Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of California — Berkeley
- MA in Politics from Brandies University in Waltham, Massachusetts
- BA in Political Science from the University of California — Berkeley
Linda Cornett, Ph.D.
Originally from Lexington, KY, Linda Cornett earned her BA from Transylvania University in Lexington KY and her MA and PhD in Political Science from the University of Washington in Seattle. She served as Chair of Political Science at UNC Asheville, where she taught since 1998. Although her research interests are focused on comparative and international political economy, she taught a wide variety of classes in world politics and international affairs.
Education
- Ph.D. Political Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- M.A. Political Science, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
- B.A. Political Science, Transylvania University, Lexington, KY
Dolly Jenkins-Mullen, Ph.D.
Dr. Dolly Jenkins-Mullen joined the Political Science department at UNC Asheville in 1985. After receiving tenure, she was Associate Professor of Political Science until her retirement in the summer of 2018. Her teaching and research interests include American government, women and politics, politics of social welfare, legislative politics, and state and local government. Dr. Jenkins-Mullen led the Political Science internship class and the Senior Colloquium prior to her retirement. She was an active participant in both university and Asheville city diversity efforts throughout her 33-year tenure, and continues to lead these efforts into her retirement as a community member and professor emeritus.
Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science, Atlanta University
- M.A. in Political Science, Atlanta University
- B.A. in Political Science, Morgan State University, Baltimore
In the News
- Blue Banner – Mullen and James Humanities Hall named to honor recently retired faculty members
- Asheville Citizen Times – 4 of the first black professors retire after decades of inspiring young minds at UNCA
Dwight Mullen, Ph.D.
As a Teaching Professor, Dr. Mullen was committed to both his students and to being professionally active. Specifically, he offered courses in public policy, American politics, and African and African-American politics. His scholarly activities included panels chaired and papers presented at meetings of the National Conference of Black Political Scientists; overseeing undergraduates’ research projects covering the State of Black Asheville; and serving in local, state, national, and international capacities that aim to improve the delivery of public services to underserved populations.
Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science, Atlanta University
- M.A. in Political Science, Atlanta University
- B.A. in History and Political Science, Loma Linda University
In the News
- Blue Banner – Dwight Mullen reflects on his career at UNCA
- Blue Banner – Asheville fights back after police brutality
- Asheville Daily Planet – UNCA prof to receive Trailblazer award
Bill Sabo, Ph.D.
William Sabo received his B.A. in History from Purdue University and his M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Political Science from the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill. He retired in the summer of 2014. During his tenure at UNC Asheville, he taught courses in American Politics with an emphasis on institutional solutions to overcoming the barriers to collective action and cooperation. In addition to courses on the presidency and elections, he taught classes on politics and religion, the evolution of American politics, politics and war, and the methodology of political analysis. He also taught The Ancient World in the Humanities program. Dr. Sabo currently resides in Sedona, AZ.
Education
- Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- M.A. in Political Science from the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill
- B.A. in History from Purdue University
In the News
- Asheville Citizen Times – Mountain residents savor historic Trump victory
- MountainX – How local organizers shifted city politics to the left and could be changing the political landscape through issue purity
Gene Rainey, Ph.D.
Dr. Gene Rainey was a skilled, dedicated, and respected teacher, scholar, and public servant throughout his 33-year tenure at UNC Asheville. He was a leader both in the Political Science department and in the community: serving as Department Chair for four terms, and as Chair of the Buncombe County Commission for two terms. He retired from UNC Asheville in 2002.
Education
- Ph.D. in International Relations from American University
- M.A. in International Relations from Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy
- B.S. in Public Affairs from Harding University
- B.A. in Political Science from George Washington University