Rate My Professor William Harrison

William Harrison serves as Associate Professor of Political Science in the Department of Social Sciences at Fairmont State University, where he is actively engaged in teaching and student mentorship. His academic background includes a Ph.D. in Political Science from West Virginia University in 2012, an M.A. in Political Science from West Virginia University in 2010, an M.A. in International Relations from Alliant International University (formerly United States International University in San Diego) in 2002, and a B.A. in Political Science from New York University in 1995. Originally from New York City, Dr. Harrison developed a strong connection to West Virginia during his graduate studies, leading him to join Fairmont State University. His progression from Assistant Professor, noted in university announcements around 2017, to Associate Professor reflects his contributions to the institution.

Dr. Harrison's research interests center on challenges within western democracies, emphasizing the need for systemic improvements before extending influence to developing democracies; he is currently presenting this work in an online forum in Pakistan. Prior projects include investigations into group identity in politics and the phenomenon known as the Senate Bump. He authored the article 'Is the West Wobbling on its Democratic Pedestal?' published in the Journal of Political Studies in 2024. On campus, Dr. Harrison advises the student government as a faculty advisor and serves as assistant advisor to the Model UN team, which achieved second place in a national competition in 2017 and an honorable mention in 2025 under related faculty guidance. He has held leadership roles such as Vice President of the Faculty Senate, Chair of the Committee on Committees in 2018, and memberships in committees including Academic Appeals, Faculty Development, and others through 2024. Additionally, he acted as faculty contact for the Frasure-Singleton Internship program. In the classroom, Dr. Harrison teaches courses like POLI 1100 American Government, stressing the universal relevance of political science amid contemporary misinformation and global events. He encourages informed voting across party lines, including third parties, and maintains an open-door policy in his office at 128A Hardway Hall, offering resources and discussions on political science topics.