The U.S. Army War College offers a world-class faculty of elite military practitioners and distinguished civilian scholars. This exceptional blend of educators bridges the gap between complex strategic theory and high-stakes operational reality. Faculty members leverage decades of operational experience to mentor the next generation of strategic leaders. Through rigorous academic inquiry and personalized instruction, they cultivate the critical thinking necessary to navigate today's volatile global security environment.
The Department of Distance Education faculty and staff are widely recognized for their exceptional ability to bridge the gap between traditional military instruction and advanced online learning. Courses are delivered as highly rigorous, asynchronous curriculum that remains deeply collaborative and engaging while fostering critical thinking and strategic leadership. Faculty members seamlessly blend their extensive operational military expertise with insightful online learning methodologies and individualized support. This unique dual capability ensures that global students receive world-class instruction without sacrificing the academic depth required for national security education.
As a testament to their expertise, U.S. Army War College faculty members are annually recognized by their peers when demonstrating the highest standards of excellence and commitment in the areas of teaching, scholarship, and service. Congratulations to the Department of Distance Education Academic Year 2026 faculty awardees:
Excellence in Teaching (Core): COL Carolyn Erickson, Joint Warfighting Course Director
Excellence in Teaching (Core): COL Stephen Messenger, DSL, Strategic Leadership Course Director and Director of First Year Studies
Excellence in Teaching (Other): Professor Christian Cook, NSEC3 Course Director
Excellence in Educational Innovation: COL Stephen Messenger, DSL, Strategic Leadership Course Director and Director of First Year Studies
Excellence in Education Innovation: COL Heather Smigowski, Ph.D., Department Chair
Excellence in Service: COL Christopher Botterbusch, Military Strategy and Campaigning Course Director
General George C. Marshall Chair of Military Studies: COL James Frick, Ph.D., Director of Second Year Studies
General Colin Powell Chair of Military and Strategic Studies: COL Stephen Messenger, DSL, Strategic Leadership Course Director and Director of First Year Studies