I was born and raised in Missoula, Mont. Coming from a family of educators and elected officials, it seemed only natural that I would grow up and contribute to the “family business” by teaching politics.
I have been shaped primarily by my grounding in the liberal arts. Artes Liberales (Latin for “liberal arts”) are the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary for a person to live a free life as an engaged citizen. Traditionally, the liberal arts are taught through exposure to a wide range of subjects and experiences. I always try to bring that liberal arts approach to my teaching at Montana Western, where I offer courses in politics, history, philosophy, law, geography, and cultural studies.
This commitment also extends to my scholarship, which includes published pieces on politics, indigenous studies, philosophy, geography, and civic education policy. My research is grounded in poststructuralism – particularly the work of Michel Foucault, Gilles Deleuze, Jacques Derrida, and Michel de Certeau – and is animated by a political motivation to support marginalized peoples against oppression.
If a student graduates with only an increased body of knowledge, then we have failed them. A higher education should transform you into a different person in mind, heart, and body; one capable of living in freedom and ready to tackle the problems of the 21st century. I have deep faith that HPSS graduates will be the leaders, big thinkers, and creative forces of their generation, critically engaged as learned citizens at the local, regional, and global levels.
