Abbas Kessel

Abbas Kessel (1918 – September 26, 1987) was a political scientist and professor at the now Minnesota State University, Mankato for 19 years. He was an advocate for peaceful protests, notably during Mankato’s anti-Vietnam war demonstrations. After his death, he was honored at the University through namesakes of the Kessel Lectures Series and Kessel Institute for the Study of Peace and Change.

Early life and education Kessel was born in 1918 in Tehran, Iran. His father was a minor tax collector, and his mother was a homemaker. This is where he met his future wife, Ruth Miner. He became a U.S. citizen in 1964. In 1966, he was hired by Mankato State College for the Political Science department. He taught introduction to politics, international relations, environment politics, world politics, Middle East, international law, American foreign policy, and a seminar. He was one of the first international faculty members at the College. In 1972, Kessel became a faculty representative for the Peace Studies Center at the College before it transformed into the Peace Studies minor for the School of Arts and Science. The minor was discontinued in 1980. He dedicated himself to critical essays in local and national newspapers about education, America, and global affairs.

Activism and Organization Leadership Touted as “a voice for peace” by Mankato residents, Kessel was active in Mankato for his anti-war sentiments. In 1962, he was a guest speaker for the League of Women Voters to discuss how trade affects politics of major and neutral powers.

Personal life Described as a petite man who wore ill-fitting thrifted brown suits, he enjoyed tending his flower garden and was considered friendly, gentle, and shy.

Legacy In 1985, the Kessel Lectureship—also known as the Kessel Lecture Series—was created by the Political Science department in honor of his campus contributions. One of the earliest lectures was presented by Professor David Noble the evening of November 18, 1987. In 1995, the lectureship and Ruth Minor Kessel established the Kessel Institute for the Study of Peace and Change—or the Kessel Peace Institute. The first director was History professor, Donald Strasser. Later directors include Jackie Vieceli, Barbara Carson, and Carole Glasser. As of 2020, History professor, Jameel Haque, has taken the mantle as director.