News

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.