Ken Rutherford

Dr. Ken Rutherford is a political scientist, humanitarian leader and global advocate whose career reflects an extraordinary commitment to advancing the dignity, rights and protection of individuals affected by armed conflict worldwide. His work bridges academic scholarship and real-world impact, leaving a lasting imprint on international humanitarian policy and practice. 

Before joining James Madison University, where he is professor of political science, Rutherford served as a professor in the political science department at Missouri State University. During his tenure, he played a role in advancing the university’s global engagement, helping establish Missouri State as a United Nations depository library. He also helped shape the university’s public affairs mission, serving as a Public Affairs Provost Fellow and contributing to the development of the Public Affairs Conference, including as chair and co-chair. The Missouri State Student Government Association recognized his contributions with its Student Choice Award. 

Rutherford co-founded the Landmine Survivors Network and was a key contributor to the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which received the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize. That same year, he accompanied Diana, Princess of Wales on her final humanitarian mission, a visit to landmine survivors in Bosnia-Herzegovina that helped draw global attention to the lasting toll of landmines. 

A leader in international law, Rutherford contributed to disability rights frameworks and helped lead negotiations for victim assistance provisions in the 2008 Convention on Cluster Munitions. From 2010-19, he directed the Center for International Stabilization and Recovery, overseeing programs across multiple post-conflict regions. 

His commitment to the field stems in part from personal experience. He served as a Fulbright fellow in Jordan and Vietnam, worked with the Peace Corps in Mauritania and the United Nations in Senegal, and survived a landmine explosion in Somalia while serving as an emergency relief officer. 

Rutherford has been named among the 100 most influential people in armed violence reduction by the London-based organization Action on Armed Violence. His honors include the Leadership in International Rehabilitation Award, the Global Humanitarian Award, presented by Sir Paul McCartney, and recognition as Human Security Person of the Year. He holds a PhD in Government from Georgetown University and bachelor’s and MBA degrees from the University of Colorado, where he was inducted into its Hall for Distinguished Alumni.