As a new political science
instructor at Southeast Community College, Dr. Griffin Hathaway wants to hit
the ground running. He brings to SCC a wealth of knowledge from teaching at various
academic institutions around the country, including the American University,
the U.S. Naval Academy and the U.S. Air Force Academy, among others. Discussing
politics is his specialty, and he hopes to have some stimulating dialogue in
his classes.
“I’ve always been drawn to
the topic of politics,” Hathaway said. “Because of my parents, I have a deep
sense of curiosity and wanting to understand things.”
A native of North Carolina,
Hathaway got his bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of
North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He then earned his master’s in American Studies
from the American University and finally his Ph.D. in Government and Politics from
the University of Maryland. He hopes to get involved in student organizations.
“I hope to get involved,
nurture and expand them,” he said. Currently he sits on SCC’s Global Education
Committee and is looking forward to contributing his ideas and time.
“Dr.
Hathaway has an impressive résumé and brings a wealth of knowledge and
experience to political science at SCC,” said fellow political science
instructor, Nikki Isemann. “He has an entertaining and gregarious personality
in the classroom. Students will have a memorable time taking his class and
learning both content and curious anecdotes about our political system.”
Though Hathaway had never
been to Nebraska prior to accepting this job, he does have a connection to the
state dating back to more than 60 years ago.
“My father played pro
baseball in North Platte in the 1950s for the minor league team of the
Cleveland Guardians,” he recalled.
Meanwhile, he’s excited to be
at a community college, where classes are smaller and there is more opportunity
for dialogue and debate among students.
“It’s easy to get lost in a
big lecture hall,” he said. “There’s a less-alienating aspect to it here, with
the ability to reach students in a one-on-one structure and make it more
personable. I enjoy talking about politics, and I’m a real zealot for not
bringing up my preferences in my classes.”
Hathaway will be teaching at
SCC’s Beatrice and Lincoln campuses. He can be reached at ghathaway@southeast.edu or 402-228-8174.