Biography

With the advances made by the culture of death, Catholic higher education is more vital than ever.

When his Fulbright year was over, he returned to Northern Illinois, where he taught for the next 21 years. He also published extensively, writing two books as well as dozens of reviews, essays, journal articles, and more. In 2008, his work on the politics of post-communist Russia helped him earn a second Fulbright Scholarship, this time to Tver State University in Russia. Upon his return, he took on the directorship of Northern Illinois’ Honors Program.

Then, in 2010, a new opportunity presented itself. Kempton learned that Franciscan University was searching for a new vice president for Academic Affairs. Over the years, Kempton had heard a great deal about the school, and the chance to both teach and work at a place where the Catholic faith could be integrated into the classroom was one he didn’t want to pass up.

“I teach topics that have important ethical dimensions—terrorism, democracy, diplomacy. It’s hard to teach those subjects without a moral basis,” he explains.

Franciscan likewise did not want to pass up the chance to bring Kempton into its fold, and in July 2011, welcomed him as both the new VPAA and professor of political science.

“With the advances made by the culture of death, Catholic higher education is more vital than ever,” says Kempton, reflecting on his new role. “College is the place where most young people lose their faith, in large part because it’s actively challenged by faculty whose worldview is primarily secular. At Franciscan, however, we can do something different, giving students the tools they need to pray, work, and live as Catholics in the world. I’m excited to be a part of that.”

Education

• Ph.D., Department of Political Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1988)
• A.M., Department of Political Science, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (1984)
• B.A., in Government and Russian, University of Notre Dame (1982)

Experience & Awards

Professional Experience

• Director, University Honors Programs, Northern Illinois University
• Chair, Department of Political Science, NIU
• Director of Undergraduate Studies, Department of Political Science, NIU
• Assistant Chair, Department of Political Science, NIU
• Director of Graduate Studies, Department of Political Science, NIU

Awards and Honors

• Nominee, Students’ Choice Award, Student Association, Northern Illinois University (2010)
• NIU Study Abroad, Oriel College, Oxford, United Kingdom (2010, 2006, 2003)
• Outstanding International Educator, NIU (2008)
• Departmental Nominee, Presidential Teaching Professorship (2008)
• Recipient, Department of Political Science Teaching Award (2007)
• Departmental and College Nominee for the Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching Award (2007)
• City of Sycamore, Plan Commission (1997-2000)
• NIU Graduate School Grant for Faculty Research and Artistry (1994, 1991, 1989, 1988)