Fresh Faces in PSIA: Welcome New Faculty!
A warm welcome to two new faculty members of the UNG PSIA department joining us as lecturers in political science – Drs. Abbie Wood and Jason Cooley.
Dr. Abbie Wood holds a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Political Science from the University of Kentucky and a B.S. in Political Science from East Tennessee State University; now she shares her expertise in political science at UNG as an online lecturer where she imparts a wealth of knowledge on American Politics, specifically judicial politics.
Dr. Wood says she feels honored and excited to come to the UNG PSIA Department because of the opportunities for connection it will bring her. In particular, she looks forward to engaging with a new university culture, learning about the student population of UNG, and supporting PSIA students in any way she can. She is eager to help students better understand the ins and outs of the American political system, study it from a scientific lens, and connect with something that holds much relevance in our everyday lives regardless of one’s primary field of study.
Dr. Wood has reflected on how she plans to make an impact on UNG students in her first year. First, she will aim to provide students with a strong foundation in American government; she believes that whether her students continue on a political science pathway or not, a strong background will “assist them in the rest of their collegiate career and beyond”. Second, Dr. Wood intends to play a supporting role for all students; she understands the struggle of an uncertain future, and looks forward to guiding her students as they navigate the rest of their academic journey at UNG and make plans for after graduation.
Outside of her teaching responsibilities, Dr. Wood is in the beginning stages of a research project that will examine how Supreme Court justices spend their time in retirement.
Dr. Jason Cooley holds a Ph.D. from the University of Nottingham, an M.A. from the University of Connecticut, and a B.A. from the University of Hartford. As he transitions from teaching political science and interdisciplinary classes at the University of Hartford and Tunxis Community College, he comes to share his expertise in UNG’s PSIA community as a lecturer on the Cumming and Dahlonega campuses.
Dr. Cooley’s passion for political science stems from his long-standing enjoyment of engaging in thought-provoking political discussions. Teaching now provides him a valuable outlet to continue these conversations with others and help them think critically about the American political system. He connects his passion for political science to the saying, “If you love what you do, you will never work a day in your life.” He also recognizes the serious political challenges and divisions within the United States today. In the midst of rising pressures, Dr. Cooley believes it is incredibly important for citizens to become familiar with and understand the U.S. political system.
As a lecturer at UNG, Dr. Cooley looks forward to serving as a bridge between the academic and political worlds, helping students develop a deeper and more practical understanding of the American political system. He is also dedicated to equipping students with the analytical skills and strategies they need to improve their performance as writers and test-takers.
Beyond classroom instruction, Dr. Cooley is currently working on two research projects: the first examines President John F. Kennedy's decision to refrain from sending combat troops to Vietnam in 1961; the second is a comparative study of the American military advisory missions during the Greek and Chinese Civil Wars.