Rosalie Otero, director of the University of New Mexico’s Honors Program, announced today that Governor Bill Richardson will teach an intensive course in state government during the spring 2005 semester.
“Throughout our 40-year history, the University Honors Program has produced leaders in politics, business, the arts and other areas,” Otero said. “It is fitting that the governor should choose to share his knowledge and expertise with Honors students, and we welcome this highly tangible contribution he is making to education in New Mexico.”
During the 16-week semester, Richardson will lecture on key issues facing New Mexico, including education, economic development and healthcare. He also will teach students about the roles of the governor and the state legislature, and students will learn how policy decisions are made. A key requirement of the class will be a final project in which students make a specific policy recommendation to the governor.
The course will be limited to 100 Honors and graduate students. The class will be divided into 10 discussion groups led by graduate students in political science, sociology, American studies, public health, public administration and education.
When initially contacted by the governor’s office about hosting a course in government, the Honors Program responded enthusiastically, according to Otero.
“We were delighted the governor would choose to teach in our program,” she said. “Our first thought was, ‘What a wonderful opportunity for our students.’”
Founded in 1961 by Dudley Wynn, the University of New Mexico’s Honors Program is one of the oldest in the nation. Students from all academic disciplines who maintain a cumulative grade point average of 3.2 and higher may participate in the program. The program offers small, interdisciplinary courses that emphasize research, writing, and public speaking skills. A part of University College, the Honors Program functions as a discrete academic unit.
Contact: Carolyn Gonzales, (505) 277-5920
Posted by scarr at November 23, 2004 12:10 PM