By Ryan Talton ’27, staff writer
Students in CHS-100 received an email from the registrar that their class had been canceled on Thursday, Oct. 30; the following day, students were informed Leslie Van Belkum, would be leading the class from then on.
This change resulted from Dr. Mustafa Kirisci, director of the master of science in intelligence and security studies program, abruptly departing LVC.
Under LVC policy, details surrounding a faculty member’s departure are confidential to protect all parties involved.
Van Belkum, a retired U.S. Air Force Senior Master Sargeant, served as an all-source intelligence analyst and a language-enabled combat advisor. He was also a senior intelligence analyst for the Defense Intelligence Agency, where he co-authored intelligence assessments for the President’s Daily Brief.
Dr. Laura Eldred, associate provost of arts and sciences, said the administration remains committed to ensuring a seamless transition for students affected by Dr. Kirisci’s departure.
“We currently plan to continue to offer CHS courses moving forward, though all such decisions are based on various factors including staffing, curricular needs (like for general education designations) and student enrollment history,” Eldred said when asked about the future of undergraduate course offerings.
Eldred said the social sciences department is conducting a search for a full-time faculty member who may support the cyber defense and homeland security minor.
The faculty voted to discontinue the master of science in intelligence and security studies program on Sept. 25, 2025.
Eldred said the administration is in contact with current students enrolled in the graduate program regarding their teach-out options to finish their degrees.