Rate My Professor Joe Wert

Joe Wert is a Professor of Political Science in the School of Social Sciences at Indiana University Southeast. He currently serves as Chief Faculty Officer, President of the Faculty Senate, Co-chair of the University Faculty Council, and represents Social Sciences on the Faculty Senate. Previously, he held the position of Dean of the School of Social Sciences. Wert earned his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Cincinnati. His career at Indiana University Southeast spans over two decades, beginning as an assistant professor in 2001, advancing to associate professor, and ultimately to full professor. He has been involved in key institutional roles, including the 2023-2024 Higher Learning Commission Campus Accreditation Committee.

Wert teaches courses such as American Government, Public Administration, and the American Presidency. His research interests include the presidency, separation of powers, public opinion and presidential approval, Indiana politics, treaty ratification, presidential leadership styles, and populism. Notable publications include the book Study of Bill Clinton’s Presidential Approval Ratings (2003), the co-authored article 'Weak Presidents, Treaty Ratification, and Presidential Leadership Style' (2015) with Cliff Staten in the Journal of Interdisciplinary and Applied Social Studies, contributions to 'New Populism and Military Wars: A US Perspective' (2024) and 'American Populism Movement' (2023), and book reviews such as 'The Presidency and the Executive Branch' (2001) and 'Power Besieged, Power Protected' (2014). Wert has also participated in campus events like the Mock Iowa Caucus.