Kevin M. Baron, Ph.D.

This is an archived page – Dr. Kevin M. Baron no longer works at UF

As of 2019, Dr. Baron is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Management at Austin Peay State University in Clarksville, TN.

 

“Nothing is so contagious as opinion, especially on questions which, being susceptible of very different glosses, beget in the mind a distrust of itself.” ~ James Madison, 1790

In January 2016, I was appointed Lecturer and Civic Engagement Coordinator at the Bob Graham Center in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences at the University of Florida. I am also an affiliate faculty member with the Department of Political Science, and the UF Honors Program. One of my favorite places to be is in the classroom. I teach in-person and online courses in American politics and institutions, policy and ethics, civics, political comedy and more. Challenging students beliefs and introducing them to new perspectives to inform debates, guide civil discourse, and impact research makes for a meaningful learning environment.

My research interests are in American institutions, viewing them through an APD lens. My main areas of focus are on the American presidency and Congress, paying particular attention to how institutions shape the politics of policymaking. Additional research interests are in examining unilateral tools of executive power, like executive privilege; understanding how individual members of Congress utilize power to influence politics and policy; and the evolution of transformative and reform policy, particularly how that policy reshapes political institutions. Secondary areas of interest and study are in public administration and bureaucratic politics, and American foreign policy with a focus on presidential decision making and influence within the White House.

Prior to coming to the University of Florida, I worked as the Director of Government Affairs for a small business advocacy organization, specializing in federal procurement policies and programs, and the Freedom of Information Act. This position afforded me the opportunity to gain firsthand experience on the inner workings of the U.S. federal government when it comes to legislative politics, program implementation, evaluation and oversight. The knowledge gained from this experience provides a greater level of understanding of the legislative and administrative processes, and the inner workings of both the legislative and executive branches, which is able to be applied through my research. I received a PhD in Political Science from the University of Florida in 2016, a Masters degree in Political Science from UF in 2015, a Masters degree in Public Administration from Sonoma State University in 2010, where I also completed my undergraduate studies in political science graduating in 2007 With Distinction honors.

In my off time, I like to garden with my family and take care of our chickens. I grow crazy spicy hot peppers and make my own hot sauces.

 

Contact Information

Office Hours: By appointment and as necessary (meaning drop-ins welcome)
Main Office: 232 Pugh Hall