Extensive training in linguistics and ancient languages brings Dr. Joseph N. Kickasola to public policy as Professor of International Affairs. He served as a pastor from 1961 to 1966, and as Professor of Old Testament at Ashland Theological Seminary from 1971 to 1985. He holds degrees from Houghton College, Westminster Theological Seminary, and Brandeis University (Ph.D. in Egyptian hieroglyphics and Coptic). His teaching specializations include international affairs in the Middle East as well as Biblical languages (especially Hebrew and Aramaic) and Biblical law. He has published various articles and tapes on Biblical and theological topics, especially on the relevance of Biblical law to current affairs. In 1993 he published an article entitled Kissing the Son: The Tragedy of the Conscience, the Crescent and the Cross.

Since 9/11/2001, based on his knowledge of Islam and written Arabic, he has spoken widely on Islamic politics (e.g., at USNORTHCOM, and the Pentagon)