50th Anniversary of Political Science at Clemson University

Dr. Jeffrey Peake, professor of political science at Clemson University, served as the chair of the Department of Political Science from 2011 to 2023. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from Clemson University in 1992, and his Ph.D. from Texas A&M University in 1999. Prior to joining Clemson, Dr. Peake was a professor at Bowling Green State University in Ohio.

Due to Dr. Peake's interest in US diplomacy and international relations, he is deeply involved in the department's study abroad programs that were originally created by Dr. Vladamir Mattic. Partnering with the University of Belgrade, the study abroad program is offered to undergraduates who would like to work in political science careers in the future. 

• Paige Magoto begins the interview by asking Jeff Peake for consent to record the conversation.
• Jeff Peake states he was born in Maryland, just outside of DC, in 1970.
• Jeff lived in Maryland until he was 18 years old.
• His favorite academic subject growing up was history.
• He participated in football and a moot court or law club in high school.

• Jeff felt that college education was a natural fit for him, influenced by his high school performance and his parents' college education.
• He did not have strong career goals before college but wanted to leave Maryland and attend college elsewhere.
• Jeff received ROTC scholarships from both the Navy and the Army and chose the Army, primarily because he did not want to be out to sea and wanted to differentiate from his father's Navy service.
• He attended Clemson University, choosing it over Virginia Tech due to its sports and lack of a corps of cadets.

• Jeff initially intended to be a lawyer or a JAG officer in the Army but was redirected to be a signal officer, which was not related to his studies.
• He enjoyed his political science courses at Clemson, particularly political history, and decided to stay a political science major.
• A professor, David Woodard, influenced him to reconsider law school, leading Jeff to decide against it.
• Jeff served on active duty for six months and then spent nine years in the Army Reserve before leaving in 2001.

• Jeff's interest in graduate school and political science was sparked by conversations with Professor Woodard and other faculty.
• He received letters of recommendation from Woodard, Moise (history professor), and Coulter (retired history professor) to pursue graduate studies.
• Jeff attended Texas A&M University for his PhD, influenced by his wife's desire to be close to her family in Texas.
• He was fortunate to have prominent scholars as advisors and received a tenure-track job right out of graduate school.

• Jeff started his job at Bowling Green State University in 1999, where he was promoted to associate professor and served as interim department chair.
• He applied for the department chair position at Clemson University, influenced by his love for Clemson and his family's desire to move south.
• Jeff was hired in 2011, influenced by his Clemson connections and his willingness to take the job.
• He brought his family to Clemson, where his sons became involved in local sports and activities.

• Jeff served as department chair for 12 years, during which the department grew significantly.
• The department doubled its faculty size, added two graduate programs, and increased undergraduate and minor enrollments.
• The MPA program was added in 2021, and the Policy Studies PhD program was added in 2018.
• The department now focuses more on graduate education and research, involving more graduate students in these efforts.

• Jeff's interest in international programs and study abroad was sparked by his role as department chair.
• He directed the summer program in the Balkans, which has been running since 2006 and has been a significant student engagement opportunity.
• The program has been life-changing for students, with many alumni attributing their careers to the experience.
• Jeff has secured an engagement grant through the State Department to bring students and faculty from the University of Belgrade to Clemson and Washington, DC.

• Jeff has taught various courses at Clemson, including media and politics, Congress, and US foreign policy.
• He has published two books, one on the domestic politics of treaties and another on foreign policy agenda setting.
• Jeff finds teaching and the impact on students to be more important than his research, although he values both.
• He has taken on graduate students and enjoys engaging them in the research process.

• Jeff hopes to see the department continue to excel in both undergraduate and graduate education without compromising the undergraduate experience.
• He believes the department has hired strong assistant professors who are nurtured and successful in their research and teaching.
• The department aims to be a top research-focused undergraduate program, similar to William and Mary.
• Jeff encourages the expansion of study abroad programs and other student engagement opportunities beyond Southeast Europe.

• Jeff reflects on his journey from being a student to a department chair, emphasizing the importance of connecting with students.
• He finds it rewarding to see the impact of his teaching and mentoring on students' careers.
• Jeff plans to continue his research and teaching, focusing on topics that are impactful and gratifying.
• He encourages students to engage in research and other activities beyond their major to enhance their resumes and career prospects.