Kent Syler
Professor, Political Science and Public Policy
Syler is a strategist and analyst who specializes in campaign strategy, political analysis and commentary, political polling, gerrymandering, and political comedy.
He has been immensely involved in government and politics for over thirty years. He managed former TN Congressman Bart Gordon’s first campaign for congress in 1984 and two subsequent re-election campaigns, and served as Gordon’s Tennessee Chief of Staff from 1985 until his retirement in 2011.
During his time at MTSU, Syler has received national attention for his work with archival political letters. Syler’s research demonstrated that many of the same issues dividing Americans today such as civil rights, immigration, health care policy, guns, and trade have been shaping political debate for over 50 years.
Areas of Focus
- Archival Research on Political Letters
- Campaign Strategy, Media and Advertising
- Gerrymandering
- Political Analysis and Commentary on American Politics and Government
- Political Comedy
- Political Polling
