John Heyrman, a Professor of Political Science, graduated with a B.A. degree from Oberlin College in 1982, majoring in Government and Economics. He received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Minnesota in 1991, with a dissertation entitled “Mobilizing Citizens: A Study of Citizens’ Groups and Participation.” He arrived at Berea in 1988 with his wife Laura, who teaches art history and art appreciation at Bluegrass Community & Technical College in Lexington. Since then, they have had two children: Elizabeth (born 1992) and Alexander (born 1999).

Heyrman teaches a variety of courses in political science: American Government, Introduction to the Study of Politics, State and Local Government, Judicial Process, Citizen Politics, Congress and the Presidency, Senior Research Seminar, Politics Hollywood Style, and Media Coverage of Politics. He has taught Writing Seminars I and II, as well as Senior Seminar in Contemporary Global Issues in the General Studies program.