Thomas Pepinsky

About Thomas Pepinsky

I study how institutions shape human flourishing, from democratic transitions in Southeast Asia to economic and political integration in Europe, from comparative political systems and public policy in the United States to the evolving landscape of international relations. I believe that we can build strong institutions—in politics, in our communities, and in higher education—by holding fast to our core values. My research on democratic transitions, and my experience as a builder in higher education, has taught me that meaningful, sustainable change comes from leaders who understand both local needs and global context.I am a committed teacher who believes that the best researcher are the best teachers, and I am never happier than when I am delivering an undergraduate lecture. I am a product of, and a proud believer in, the liberal model of higher education. My students go on to careers in government, international organizations, consulting, business, and higher education. Since 2017, I have expanded my work to include strategic consultation on institutional development, governance, and higher educational policy and reform. My experience in building new higher education institutions at Cornell University and higher education nonprofits around the world provides unique insight for organizations navigating complex institutional constraints, and my research expertise in comparative and global politics helps leaders to anticipate the future strategic challenges and opportunities. I am an academic program designer and builder who works with higher education leaders who need regional expertise and comparative institutional analysis, who value academic rigor over metrics and rankings, who want to build resilient institutions in complex cultural contexts, and—most importantly—who refuse to compromise on mission-driven higher educationI am available for advisory work, executive education, and thought leadership engagements across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America. I provide strategic consulting for founders, not followers.

Experience

1. Nonresident Senior Fellow

   The Brookings Institution

   Sep 2018 — Present

Education

• Yale University

  PhD, Political Science

  2001 — 2007

• Brown University

  A.B., Linguistics

  1997 — 2001

• Yale University

  PhD, Political Science and Government

Skills

• Policy Analysis
• Lecturing
• University Teaching
• Higher Education
• Teaching
• Stata
• Political Science
• Statistics
• Grant Writing
• Program Evaluation
• Research Design
• Research
• Qualitative Research