Mark M. Springer, PhD

About Me

I started at the University of Mary in Bismarck, ND in Fall 2006. I have taught over 35 different courses in politics/political science, history, and criminal justice. Over the course of my career, I have served in various functions such as chair of the Institutional Review Board, graduate coordinator, department chair, faculty representative to faculty senate, faculty president, and numerous committees.

In the community, I serve as chair of the Apple Creek Township Board. I have also served as president for Apple Creek School Board.

My teaching philosophy fits a system where students and faculty are part of a learning community.  Ethics and integrity are values that I stress inside and outside of the classroom; I believe we develop as people if we are open to discussion, but also reflective of the values that are important to building a community.  

I try to demonstrate to students that a classroom code of conduct is reflective of society at large; the development of a strong community begins with a commitment to professional standards and is a product of the core values of respect for others in society.  I feel these values are important for students to understand in order to become effective leaders.

The bottom line is that I love to teach. Each individual has an interesting background and history that makes that student unique to the class.

I like seeing students make connections between politics and their life in a meaningful way so that they can see that it is not all about power but can be a shared experience that is positive in life.

Expertise

I work on research related to civic education, civil discourse, and community involvement. I am also recognized by national publications as an expert on North Dakota politics.

Education

PhD (Political Science): University of Nebraska "Lincoln, 2004
MA (Political Science): University of North Dakota, 1998
BA (Political Science): University of North Dakota, 1996