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Name: Thomas Holyoke, Ph.D.
Title: Professor of Political Science
Academic Degrees: Doctor of Philosophy (from The George Washington University), Master of Arts (Syracuse University), and Bachelor of Arts (Drake University)

What is your most notable accomplishment in your field, and why was it important?

A difficult question because I can think of several that might qualify, but the best one in terms of students and education is publishing the second edition of my textbook "Interest Groups and Lobbying" (Routledge) as it seems to now be the dominant textbook on the topic in the field.

What are you most passionate about in your field and why?

Also difficult. Teaching is what I am most passionate about because it is the primary way that I can make the world a better place. Beyond that, I have done a fair amount of cutting edge research (at least I have been told it is cutting-edge) on interest groups and lobbying in American politics, which is something about which there is a lot of confusion and many myths. I am also passionate about faculty service at the University because it is how faculty keep a strong role in the governance of the University.

What is a memorable moment you had at your job?

Some of my early publications, which established me in the political science discipline, as well as becoming chair of the Academic Senate (leading the faculty) and serving on the searches for a new campus president and provost.

What is a memorable moment you had in class, and what does that reveal about your teaching style?

Impossible to say because there have been so many moments. Any time you feel that students are enthusiastic about what you are teaching, and wanting to know more, and enjoying themselves, is a good moment. Those are the moments you live for in this profession.

What do you like to do for fun in your spare time?

Hiking and skiing in the Sierra Nevada! I also really enjoy writing, which fortunately is part of my job.

What is something interesting about you that most people don’t know?

Although I have done a lot of international traveling, I am actually kind of scared of it. Perhaps that is why I have pushed myself to do it.

Is there something else you would like to share that was not asked?

I also love music, and if I had any real talent for it, I would have tried to become a professional musician.