Brian Smentkowski

Dr. Brian Smentkowski has established himself as a distinguished leader in higher education as Professor of Political Science and Founding Director of the Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning at the University of Idaho. His scholarly impact spans multiple domains, evidenced by his significant publications including "Taking Flight: Making your Center for Teaching and Learning Soar," "Misreading the Bill of Rights," and "The SoTL Scaffold: Supporting Evidence-Based Teaching Practice in Educational Development." As Director of Community-Engaged Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship, he has pioneered innovative approaches to educational development and faculty training. His work with the CIRTL Network includes facilitating the Teaching-as-Research Learning Community and developing programs that promote equitable educational experiences. As the former editor of To Improve the Academy: A Journal of Educational Development, he has helped shape national conversations about teaching excellence. His current research explores the vital intersection of Teaching-as-Research, Learning-through-Diversity, and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning. Through his leadership of the Preparing Future Faculty program at Idaho, he continues to influence the next generation of educators while advancing evidence-based teaching practices and community-engaged scholarship