By Isabelle Tilley
If you’ve taken a political science or criminal justice course at William Peace University, chances are you’ve met the institution’s resident political power couple: Dr. Beth Kusko and Dr. Caleb Husmann.
Some snippets of the couple’s endeavors, on the left seen dressing up for a wedding, and on the right snowboarding in Breckenridge, Colorado. Photos taken from @eakusko on Instagram
Both accomplished PhD holders, prolific writers, and respected professors, Kusko and Husmann are shaping the next wave of future lawyers and policymakers together. Their work often overlaps, but their styles couldn’t be more different. Over time, that balance has naturally been achieved in their classrooms as well as their lives.
How They Met: The One Where He Didn’t Hear Her
Kusko and Husmann’s journey began in 2008 when they both started graduate school in political science at Miami University. Kusko, fresh out of college, recalls applying to the program on a whim after encouragement from a mentor. Husmann, meanwhile, had considered schools in the Intermountain West but ultimately ended up at the same university.
Their first almost-meeting, Kusko recalls, was during an orientation for new graduate students. “We were all getting our keys for our offices, and I saw this really cute boy,” Kusko said. “I said ‘hi’ as we crossed paths, but he walked right past me!”
To this day, Husmann insists he didn’t hear her. “She always tells that story,” he said. “But obviously, I would not have ignored the woman I’d end up marrying.”
That first interaction left Kusko unsure if Husmann wanted anything to do with her. “I was like, well, why didn’t you say hi back?” she said. “After that, I thought, maybe he doesn’t want to be my friend.”
But fate—and statistics—had other plans. The two found themselves in the same statistics course and quickly became friends. “We had this great group of friends, and we’d all go out together,” Kusko said. “I had just turned 22, and Husmann had just turned 24. We were all figuring life out together.”
Husmann remembers the class well. Especially because he needed help. “She’s much better at stats than I am,” he said. “So I definitely was like, ‘Do you want to study together?’”
That study session changed everything. Kusko had already studied but said yes anyway. “I just thought, ‘Oh my gosh, I love him,’” she said. By the end of the semester, they were inseparable.
Now, together, they are known as favorites at WPU, celebrated for their expertise and engaging teaching styles.
Let’s See Where This Class Takes Us
Husmann is described by his wife as the “Type B” in their relationship. Easy-going and laid back, Husmann brings a different energy to his classes. Kusko affectionately calls him “the effortless kind of smart,” and his students seem to agree.
Known for his flexibility, Husmann rarely adheres strictly to a syllabus. He often structures lessons around breaking news or current events, even if they occur moments before class begins.
Class discussions and simulation activities are important ingredients of his teaching philosophy, letting students engage actively with the material.
In his Congress course, typically offered in the spring, Husmann creates a congressional simulation where each student takes on the role of a U.S. senator.
“It’s fun because students can be creative,” said Husmann.
Mackenzie Kirk, a senior majoring in pre-law and political science, said, “What sets Husmann apart from other teachers is the way he pushes us to take our ideas as far as they can go. He never makes me feel dumb for my ideas and tries to get me to develop them as much as possible. Husmann also never pushes an agenda and steelmans every argument, even the ones he doesn’t agree with.”
For Husmann, steel manning develops critical thinking skills, but further, it fosters intellectual humility and encourages students to detach their identities from their political beliefs. “A big issue in the political world right now is we attach our beliefs so closely with our identities,” he said.
Husmann also ties history into his teaching, which his students appreciate.
“The class I have particularly enjoyed was Campaigns and Elections. These classes have really been a passion of mine as they have more history ingrained into the content,” said Kirk.
In his Campaigns and Elections class, students get into the historical roots of political tactics and strategies while simultaneously applying them to modern scenarios. One aspect of the course has been the realization that many of the negative campaign tactics used today aren’t new tactics.
“It’s important for students to see that things like mudslinging and propaganda aren’t new. They’ve been used for centuries, and seeing that helps put modern campaigns into perspective,” said Husmann.
“Campaigns have always been slanderous,” said Mikela Robinson, junior criminal justice major in the class. “You had political campaigns where people were putting ads in the newspaper saying their opponents were dead.”
A student presenting their strategy for campaigning for Mark Robinson. The pitch is “We need more workers” in light of the recent controversy. Photo by Isabelle Tilley
Husmann ensures that students understand these historical parallels and connect them to the modern political landscape.
Students walk away from his classes with sharpened critical thinking skills, a deeper understanding of history, and a strengthened ability to navigate modern political discourse.
Husmann’s relaxed approach to teaching allows him to adapt to the moment and keep his lessons engaging. “I’m much more, I think, free-flowing,” he said. “Like I can walk into a class with three bullet points, right, written on a sticky note or just in my head, and go.”
This balance between structure and spontaneity is part of what makes his classes a favorite among students, blending thought-provoking discussions with flexibility.
Law, Ethics, and Warmest Regards
Kusko, described as the “Type A” in her relationship, brings a structured, organized approach to her classes. “I have to have the PowerPoint. Even with this being my 12th year teaching, I still bring my notes.” Kusko said.
Her meticulous planning contrasts with Husmann’s free-flowing style, but students appreciate her consistent and clear teaching methods.
Kusko’s teaching style is both structured and personal. She starts by laying out core legal and moral theories, giving students the groundwork to understand different schools of thought. But the real work begins when she pushes them to engage critically, challenging students to decide whether they agree, disagree, or fall somewhere in between.
Even when teaching complex ideas like Kantian theory, Kusko connects with every student whether they’re a political science major or not. It’s the mark of a great teacher: someone who can break down difficult ideas and make them accessible to everyone, while still pushing students to form their own opinions.
That ability to balance rigor with warmth is what students say sets Kusko apart.
AJ Townsend, a junior majoring in psychology and sports science, shared how impactful Kusko’s classes have been.
“Kusko is incredibly kind and outgoing. No matter the time of day, you will always catch Kusko with a smile on her face. Every day that I go to her class, I leave way happier than how I went in. Even if the topic is sad and dark, she finds a way to keep a smile on her students’ faces. Her classes not only teach me a lot but also show me the power of kindness and a good heart,” said Townsend.
Kusko’s emphasis on creating a welcoming and inclusive environment is echoed by her students and in her own words. “Just building those relationships, so making a really welcoming, fun space,” Kusko said when asked about mentoring students interested in pursuing careers in law.
Townsend even said, “She is the definition of a safe space.”
Dr. Beth Kusko poses with her students during a morning session of Introduction to Law & Legal.
Photo by Isabelle Tilley.
This sentiment is reinforced through her teaching practices. Kusko ensures her notes are uniform and clear, so every student knows exactly how to follow along, promoting equality in the learning experience. While she lectures, her focus remains on critical thinking and encouraging students to develop their own ideas.
For Kusko, it’s about teaching the material just as much as it’s about creating a space where students feel valued, respected, and supported. Her genuine care for her students shines through in every interaction, from her immersive activities to the way she signs her emails with “Warmest.”
While Kusko’s structured, meticulous approach provides clear guidance, Husmann’s open-ended style encourages creativity and independent thinking. Together, their differences create a balanced learning environment that challenges students from multiple angles.
Type A Meets Type B
“We’re definitely aware of each other’s different approaches,” Husmann said. “She’s always going to be much more structured. Her assignments are clear and point-by-point, which is really important when teaching students how to formulate an argumentative essay. I, on the other hand, don’t necessarily want to give a step-by-step rubric because I want students to take things in their own direction and get creative. Sometimes they’ll surprise me with something even better than I expected.”
Rather than creating tension, this contrast strengthens their partnership. Kusko described how they influence each other, both in their teaching and personal relationship.
“I keep his feet on the ground more than he would by himself,” she said. “But he helps me be more spontaneous and open to things that I wouldn’t have been otherwise.”
Kusko provides students with a clear, structured foundation, while Husmann encourages exploration and flexibility. Both emphasize critical thinking—-helping students read closely, think deeply, and develop their own ideas.
“We’re both super loud and fun and weird,” Kusko said. “But when it comes to getting students to read, think, and write, we’re on the same page. There’s no one right answer.”
The impact of their teaching is evident in the success of former students. Casey Dees, a graduate of the program, is now pursuing a law degree at Elon Law School. Jackie Yanez has built a career as a crime analyst, and Lindsey Paterson serves as a district attorney.
For students interested in law, politics, or criminal justice, the program offers a strong foundation and opens doors to careers in public service, legal advocacy, and criminal analysis.
But you don’t need to be on that path to take a class with Kusko or Husmann. Anyone curious about how the world works—or their place in it—will find plenty to wrestle with. Just be ready to think critically and challenge your own assumptions.
TV, Travel, and Ted Lasso
Outside the classroom, Dr. Kusko and Dr. Husmann are more than just professors, they’re active writers, thinkers, and avid pop culture enthusiasts. Their shared passion for television serves as both a personal hobby and an academic pursuit.
Together, they contribute to And Philosophy, a platform that examines philosophical themes in popular media.
“We did the whole Game of Thrones franchise—everything. We just finished the second season,” Kusko said. “I’m really interested in this new Penguin series on HBO, but I mean, we could talk about TV forever. This year, we watched Shogun, the one that won all the Emmys, with an all-Asian cast. It was phenomenal.”
Sure, they binge-watch shows like the rest of us, but they’ve turned that pastime into something more. The couple co-authored a chapter in the book Ted Lasso and Philosophy: No Question Is Into Touch. Their contribution, humorously titled Poop in the Punchbowl, explores themes from the popular series through a philosophical lens.
The two also share a love for travel and view it as an essential part of personal and professional growth. They both studied abroad during their undergraduate years—Kusko in Korea and Husmann in Australia.
The couple posing with their daughter, Jojo, during a WPU study abroad trip to London. Photo taken from @eakusko on Instagram
“It’s the best thing you can do,” Kusko said. “Travel is such an important part of being a global citizen. It opens your eyes to different perspectives, cultures, and ways of thinking.”
Bringing it Full Circle
Now, as parents, they hope to inspire their daughter, JoJo, to one day follow in their footsteps and study abroad. Whether through their travels, academic work, or writing side by side, Kusko and Husmann continue pushing each other to grow as educators and partners.
Their partnership, which started over study sessions, has always been rooted in conversation. “It’s almost hard for me, honestly, to differentiate the things that I basically stole from her,” Husmann said. “We just talk to each other so much that it’s kind of blurry as to who came up with what.”
That constant back-and-forth, whether on lesson plans, political theory, or the latest show they’re watching, has shaped both their teaching and their relationship. Over time, their styles have influenced each other, but their differences remain. Just enough to challenge one another, and just enough to keep the conversation going.