Ariel Méndez is an associated faculty member at OSU-Cascades. He regularly teaches the following political science courses:

• PS 206 Introduction to Political Thought
• PS 331 State and Local Politics
• PS 362 Modern Political Thought
• PS 383 Constitutional Law: Civil Rights

Ariel has served his community as an elected official since 2019 on the Bend Park and Recreation Board and currently on the Bend City Council.

Beyond the classroom and public service, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three kids, biking around town and coaching soccer. He believes in being a lifelong learner and prides himself on fixing what seems to be unfixable.