The political science department is in the final stages of choosing a new faculty member, and the candidates for the position will be visiting campus in the coming weeks.
Four candidates have been chosen as finalists and will be visiting campus to give public presentations between March 6-17. The names of finalists have not yet been released publicly. The times and locations of their presentations are yet to be finalized, but this, along with the names of the candidates, will be announced when the dates of the visits get closer.
Ciara Hyland, a first-year political science and psychology double major, said that she has high hopes for a new political science professor. She wants someone who will give interesting lectures and someone who will have a really involved class schedule and daily agenda. She also hopes that the new professor will be able to give assignments and explain them thoroughly.
Blake Hillard, a junior political science and philosophy double major, said that in addition to having an expertise in the field, he would like to see a new hire that has “an ability to bring diversity of subject matter, a willingness to aid in restructuring the major, and passion for student success.”
According to the flyer advertising the position, the political science department is looking to fill an assistant professor position in comparative politics, focusing in Latin America. An “ideal candidate” would also work within the international studies department and have the capability to teach the general education class called Global Awareness. It is also important that candidates have a “strong commitment to education in the liberal arts.”
Gerrett Kehr, a junior political science major, said that it is important for the political science department to have “a border range in specialization among faculty. Currently, I am underwhelmed in my choices as a student, as most classes have been repetitive in nature due to the limited capabilities of the department’s current faculty.”
Liza Day, a first-year political science, Spanish and international studies triple major, said it would be interesting to have a new professor that has governmental experience, since that’s what she plans to go into after law school. She wants someone who can “teach students in an understandable way, rather than just lecturing.”
