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By Stef Haarsager
Known for his sense of humor in and out of the classroom, Mark Jendrysik, associate professor and chair of political science and public administration claims he loved college so much he never left. “I love being a college professor. It sure beats working - my classes are too much fun to be work.”
A published author, researcher, and frequent professional association meeting presenter, Jendrysik is most often remembered by students for his ability to transform ordinarily mundane courses such as American Government I, Introduction to Political Thought, American Political Thought, and Utopia/Distopia into discussion topics everyone can understand. “What some students don’t realize is that no matter how badly they want to cut themselves off from politics, they can’t.” says Jendrysik. “Once students learn the core elements of politics and what tools are available to effect change, they stop trying to be passive. Instead they begin wondering ‘What can I do?’”
Growing up, Jendrysik developed an early interest in political research helping his father research and maintain the home of famed utopian author and fellow Chicopee, Mass. native, Edward Bellamy. In 1886-87, Bellamy wrote the third-best selling book of the 19th century, Looking Backward: 2000-1887, third to only Uncle Tom’s Cabin and Ben-Hur. “Growing up mowing Edward Bellamy’s lawn probably sparked my interest in politics,” jokes Jendrysik, “that and my grandfather sitting me down to watch the Watergate hearings with him. Those early memories of researching Bellamy’s papers with my father, who is now the president of the Edward Bellamy Memorial Association, and watching President Nixon’s troubles not only ignited my interest in political research, but provided some great discussion topics for my classes.”
Jendrysik said he has come to believe one really can’t be a good teacher without doing some research, “which is especially true for political science professors,” says Jendrysik. “The two are hand in glove, and because the political atmosphere is changing everyday our research is never finished. We have to always be aware of how current events and trends are affecting the political climate.” Jendrysik’s second book, Modern Jeremiahs: Contemporary Visions of American Decline, will be released Spring 2008.
In the end, Jendrysik hopes his students leave the classroom inspired to think critically about the world they live in. “There is nothing I enjoy more than reading course evaluations where students confess a renewed interest in politics as a result of what they’ve learned in American Government I,” said Jendrysik. “I don’t care what they think,” said Jendrysik. “Just as long as they’ve learned to base their opinions on solid facts, knowledge, and reason.”
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