Dr. Dennis HickeyCollege of Humanities and Public AffairsPolitical Science |
I. Philosophy of Service
Over 20 years ago, a study commissioned by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching concluded that the relationship between teaching, research and service was of benefit to no one. As a faculty member at Missouri State University, an institution with a statewide mission in public affairs, I have sought to construct linkages between these three areas that will benefit students, practitioners, academics and the public as a whole. It has often been said that good teaching and good research go together like twins—it is difficult to have one without the other. Too often, however, service is neglected. This is unfortunate as we appear to be living in one of those rare periods in history when everything seems to change. Our society desperately requires the input of the academic community if it hopes to cope with a wide range of pressing global problems, including terrorism, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, environmental degradation, health issues, dwindling energy supplies and the continuing global economic crisis, to name just a few. Through my service, I have sought to contribute meaningfully to the conversation focusing on the challenges confronting our nation and the world.
II. Examples of service including service to University, discipline and community
During the past five years, Dr. Hickey raised over $110,000 in external support to host a variety of conferences focusing on issues related to the Chinese mainland and Taiwan. The events were free and open to the public. During that same time period, he authored ten op-eds in the Springfield News Leader, delivered briefings to lawmakers, US embassy officials and others interested in China, made numerous media appearances, delivered lectures at universities in the US, Taiwan and the Chinese mainland and organized cultural events at MSU. During Dr. Hickey’s stint as a Fulbright Lecturer at the China Foreign Affairs University in Beijing during 2008, he was flown to Taiwan to serve as an election observer during the island’s landmark 2008 presidential election. He has also been quoted in numerous newspaper stories throughout the world and received two Distinguished Service Awards from the Association of Chinese Political Studies.
III. Future Commitment to Service
Dr. Dennis Hickey remains committed to service at the local, national and international levels. He will accelerate efforts to enhance understanding and cooperation between the United States, the world’s only superpower and largest economy, and China, the world’s second largest and fastest growing economy.
IV. Topics related to service for which you are available for presentations and/or consultations
- The relationship of service to research.
- Making research relevant to the local, national and international community.
- The importance of being part of the conversation on issues of global importance.