Colonel (s) Steven Lizzol is the acting Head of the Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership at the United States Air Force Academy. He leads a diverse total force faculty of 40 psychologists, sociologists, leadership scholars, and human factors engineers who teach more than 30 undergraduate courses to over 3,000 cadets each year. Under his direction, the department delivers a world-class education rooted in scientific inquiry across the behavioral and social sciences to develop leaders of character for the Air and Space Forces. Col (s) Lizzol currently directs information warfare research and analysis in support of USNORTHCOM and PACAF operations in the information environment. He also oversees the Warfighter Effectiveness Research Center, a premier research team advancing work in human-machine teaming, social robotics, operational readiness, and leadership development.

Col (s) Lizzol began his military career at the United States Air Force Academy, where he earned his commission as a Second Lieutenant in 2004. He has served in a variety of roles spanning information operations, international affairs, and educational leadership at both Wing and Major Command levels. His assignments include duty with United States Air Force Direct Reporting Units and multiple commands, including Air Education and Training Command, Air Force Special Operations Command, United States Air Forces in Europe–Air Forces Africa, and United States European Command.

Air War College – via Correspondence (2023)

Doctor of Philosophy, Sociology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Ariz. (2020)

Air Command and Staff College – via Correspondence (2015)

Masters of Arts, Sociology, University of Colorado, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2014)

Psychological Operations Qualification Course, JFK Special Warfare School, Fort Bragg, N.C. (2010)

Masters of Business Administration, Troy University, Montgomery, Ala. (2010)

Squadron Officers School (in Residence), Maxwell AFB, Ala. (2009)

Aerospace Basic Course (in Residence), Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. (2004)

Bachelors of Science, Behavioral Science, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO (2004)

May 2024 – Present, Head, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (2025-Present)

Operations Director and Deputy Head, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo. (2024)

Joint Operations Center Director and J37 Director, Security Assistance Group—Ukraine, U.S. European Command, U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden, Germany (2024)

Deputy Division Chief, International Affairs, United States Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein AB, Germany (2023-2024)

Strategic Engagements and Operations Branch Chief, International Affairs, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein AB, Germany (2020-2023)

Chief, International Affairs Information Operations Strategy, U.S. Air Forces Europe and Air Forces Africa, Ramstein Air Base, Germany (2020-2021)

Air Force Institute of Technology PhD Student—Civilian Institute, Tucson, Ariz. (2017-2020)

Senior Instructor and Executive Officer, Department of Behavioral Sciences and Leadership, United States Air Force Academy, Colo. (2014-2017)

Air Force Institute of Technology Masters Student—Civilian Institute, Colorado Springs, Colo. (2013-2014)

Commander’s Action Group Officer, Air Force Special Operations Command, Hurlburt Field, Fla. (2012-2013)

Director, Information Operations Directorate, 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, Fla. (2011-2012)

Flight Commander and Course Director, Squadron Officer College, Maxwell, AFB, Ala. (2008-20011)

Lead Human Factors Analyst, Special Operations Test Division, Air Force Operational Test & Evaluation, Detachment 5, Edwards AFB, Calif. (2004-2008)

Defense Meritorious Service Medal

Meritorious Service Medal with two oak leaf clusters

Air and Space Commendation Medal with 2 oak leaf clusters

Meritorious Unit Award

Air and Space Organizational Excellence Award with 3 oak leaf clusters

National Defense Service Medal

Global War on Terrorism Service Medal

Armed Forces Service Medal

Humanitarian Service Medal

Squadron Officer School DG (2009)

Air Force Modeling & Simulation Team Award (2008)

Air Force Association David C. Schilling Award (2008)

Legitimacy and violence in areas of limited statehood: Multi-level analysis how social affiliations, pragmatic needs, and political orientations impact perceptions of political violence by state and non-state actors.

Other areas of scholarly interests: Sociology of culture, social network theory, and organizations