Karlee Kimbrell is exploring the intersection of race, politics, and civic engagement through her work in the Department of Political Science at the School of Public and International Affairs. A first-generation college student and Ph.D. candidate in political science, Kimbrell’s research examines how perceptions of racial authenticity influence political appeal and voter behavior, while her teaching and pedagogy work focuses on helping students better understand American government and their own role within the political process.
Kimbrell’s dissertation research seeks to quantify perceptions of racial authenticity among Black politicians and analyze how those perceptions affect voter appeal and likelihood of support across different racial groups. Alongside her dissertation work, she also contributes to the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning through research centered on POLS 1101: Introduction to American Government, a foundational course in the UGA undergraduate curriculum. Her work investigates how students engage with course materials and how that engagement shapes their sense of political efficacy. “Ultimately, this work aims to refine our curriculum to better support student needs and civic engagement,” she explains. By helping students better understand the complexities of the U.S. government and their relationship to it, Kimbrell hopes to strengthen both political knowledge and civic participation.
Receiving her award was both emotional and affirming. “Pure gratitude,” Kimbrell shares. “I was so thrilled (and surprised!) that I had to read the notification three times before it sank in.” Reflecting on the recognition, she emphasized the impact of the graduate student community around her. “I see the incredible work my fellow graduate students are doing across campus every day,” she says, noting that being selected made her reflect on the collective contributions graduate students make both inside and outside the classroom.
photos courtesy of Karlee Kimbrell
Throughout her graduate journey, Kimbrell has been deeply influenced by mentors and support systems within her department. She credits former Director of Graduate Studies, Teena Wilhelm, as one of the main reasons she chose UGA, recalling that Wilhelm genuinely cared about helping her make the best decision for her future: “Her support convinced me this was the right environment to develop my studies,” Kimbrell says. She also speaks highly of her advisor, Geoffrey Sheagley, whose mentorship has shaped nearly every stage of her academic growth. “His [Sheagley] dedication to my growth in both teaching and research is unmatched,” she explains. Beyond faculty mentorship, Kimbrell also highlights the importance of the department’s support staff, Wendi Finch and Edward Boney, who helped make the department feel like home. “I am forever grateful for them being a soft place to land at the end of a hard day,” she says.
“I am surrounded by world-class faculty and have access to resources that many of my peers at other institutions do not.”
For Kimbrell, choosing University of Georgia was an easy decision because of the combination of academic excellence and community support. During the admissions process, she was repeatedly drawn back to the sense of camaraderie and genuine support she experienced within the program.
Outside of her academic work, Kimbrell has developed an unexpected creative hobby: making cheesecakes. What began as a cheesecake tour around Athens eventually turned into a passion for experimenting with recipes and sharing desserts with friends. “Now I spend my free time practicing and tweaking recipes, and of course, force-feeding my friends,” she jokes.
photo courtesy of Karlee Kimbrell
One of Kimbrell’s proudest accomplishments during graduate school has been her investment in teaching. Through her classroom experiences, participation in the Future Faculty Fellows program, and support from her department, she discovered a passion for student engagement that she had not anticipated. As a first-generation college student, the relationships she builds with students hold particular meaning.
“Being able to give others the insight I so desperately wanted when I started is incredibly rewarding.”
Like many graduate students, Kimbrell has also faced challenges throughout her Ph.D. journey. Teaching politics during a particularly polarized political climate can be emotionally demanding, requiring her to balance empathy, discussion, and classroom community-building. She credits support from peers, faculty mentors, and the Center for Teaching and Learning with helping her become a stronger instructor. She also acknowledges the self-doubt that can accompany graduate school. “There is a lingering fear that a ‘failure’ email is coming but it never does,” she says. Building friendships with graduate students outside of her field helped her maintain perspective and reminded her to see herself as more than just a researcher or student.
When she needs to regain focus and clarity, Kimbrell enjoys spending time in the Baldwin Hall Courtyard, a favorite campus spot where she can reconnect with the outdoors and appreciate the atmosphere of campus. She also relies on music and movement to recharge. “Taking a break to loudly sing and dance to my favorite songs never fails to rejuvenate me,” she shares. Through her commitment to research, teaching, and student mentorship, Karlee Kimbrell continues to make a meaningful impact both inside and outside the classroom.
The Excellence in Teaching award recognizes the significant contribution graduate students make to the instructional mission of the University. The award is sponsored by the Graduate School and recognizes up to five graduate students who have demonstrated superior teaching skills and made contributions to teaching beyond their own classrooms.
For more information about these teaching awards, please visit the Center for Teaching and Learning Teaching Awards website.
