Dr. Matthew Pinsker
Professor of History, Dickinson College
Dr. Matthew Pinsker is Professor of History and holds the prestigious Brian Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History at Dickinson College. He is a distinguished Lincoln scholar and award-winning author of acclaimed books including 'Lincoln's Sanctuary: Abraham Lincoln and The Soldiers' Home' and 'Boss Lincoln' (forthcoming from W.W. Norton). He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard University and received his D.Phil. from the University of Oxford, and served as a visiting research professor at the U.S. Army War College.
Areas of Expertise
- Lincoln Leadership Studies
- Civil War History
- Presidential Leadership
- American Constitutional History
Education
- B.A., Harvard University (magna cum laude)
- D.Phil., University of Oxford
- Brian Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History
- Former visiting research professor, U.S. Army War College
Professional Experience
- Professor of History, Dickinson College
- Acclaimed author of 'Lincoln's Sanctuary' and 'Boss Lincoln'
- Director, House Divided Project
- National Fellow, New America (2014)
- ASU Future of War Fellow with New America's International Security program
- Former visiting research professor, U.S. Army War College
Meet Dr.
Dr. Matthew Pinsker brings exceptional Lincoln scholarship to the Lincoln Leadership Institute as Professor of History and holder of the prestigious Brian Pohanka Chair in American Civil War History at Dickinson College. His award-winning and authoritative works on Lincoln, including the acclaimed "Lincoln's Sanctuary" and the forthcoming "Boss Lincoln" from W.W. Norton, provide the historical foundation for much of the Institute's curriculum. His distinguished career includes fellowship appointments with New America and the U.S. Army War College.
Lincoln Leadership Philosophy
Dr. Pinsker's research reveals Abraham Lincoln as America's greatest practitioner of political leadership and partisan strategy. His approach emphasizes studying Lincoln's decision-making processes, communication strategies, and ability to navigate complex political environments while maintaining moral principles.
Key Contributions
- Author of multiple acclaimed and award-winning works on Lincoln's leadership and presidency
- Director of the innovative House Divided Project at Dickinson College
- National Fellow and ASU Future of War Fellow with New America's International Security program
- Former visiting research professor at the U.S. Army War College
- Creator of groundbreaking digital humanities resources and online Lincoln courses
- Developed major educational initiatives including "Understanding Lincoln" open online graduate course
- Contributed extensively to national discourse on Lincoln's legacy, presidential leadership, and American partisanship
- Created cutting-edge research tools and databases for Lincoln and Civil War studies
Teaching Approach
His methodology combines rigorous historical scholarship with innovative digital tools and experiential learning, drawing from his prestigious academic appointments at Harvard, Oxford, and his fellowship work on national security issues. Dr. Pinsker helps participants understand how Lincoln's political acumen and leadership principles can be applied to contemporary leadership challenges, emphasizing the importance of principled partisanship, strategic thinking, and ethical decision-making under pressure.