By Randy Fiedler
Dr. Andy Hogue
The Office of Engaged Learning will continue and expand on previous efforts by the College to provide students with superior learning opportunities outside the classroom. These include undergraduate research opportunities, professional internships, civic engagement opportunities and assistance in competing for prestigious national and international scholarships such as the Fulbright, Goldwater and Marshall Scholarships.
Hogue will succeed Professor Elizabeth Vardaman as associate dean of engaged learning on June 1. Vardaman, who is retiring after 38 years at Baylor, has helped hundreds of Arts & Sciences students to learn about and take advantage of engaged learning opportunities, and has successfully mentored students from across the University in applying for national and international scholarships.
“Dr. Hogue’s commitment to engaged learning and the students served by the national scholarship program has been invaluable for years. He will build our undergraduate research division as well as our third area of emphasis, civic engagement,” Vardaman said. “Perhaps most importantly, he brings the larger commitment to helping students maximize their undergraduate education both within and beyond the classroom.”
“We are fortunate to have Dr. Hogue as the associate dean overseeing our new Office of Engaged Learning,” said Dr. Lee C. Nordt, dean of the College of Arts & Sciences. “He comes to us having worked diligently with the national scholarship program for many years and as the director of the Philanthropy and Public Service Program through the Honors College. He has the type of leadership qualities needed to direct critical undergraduate programs — not only for students in Art & Sciences, but to all students across Baylor University.”
“I am exceedingly grateful for and hopeful about this opportunity to help our students and faculty build the bridges that connect Baylor to the world and the world to Baylor,” Hogue said. “It is my profound honor to carry forward Dean Vardaman’s remarkable legacy of service to this institution as we continue to imagine and build the opportunities that allow our students to maximize the truly transformational experiences a Baylor education affords.”
Hogue received a BA degree in communication studies at Clemson University. He earned both an MA in church-state studies and a PhD degree in political science at Baylor. He studies American politics, philanthropy and social innovation.
Hogue’s book “Stumping God: Reagan, Carter, and the Invention of a Political Faith” (Baylor University Press, 2012) uses exclusive interviews and primary sources to trace various streams of influence that converged in the 1980 election. Hogue is also author of another forthcoming book, with L. Gregory Jones, titled “Navigating the Future: Traditioned Innovation for Wilder Seas.”
In the fall of 2014, Hogue began Baylor’s Philanthropy Lab –– a full-credit course in which students learn not only the history and philosophy of philanthropy, but also gain practical experience in evaluating nonprofit organizations and then donating real money to worthy causes around the world. Since its inauguration, the “Philanthropy and the Public Good” class has given more than $600,000 in grants to support nonprofit organizations.
“Dr. Hogue’s vast expertise and experience in philanthropy and public service will enrich, interact with, and complement every other resource offered in the Office of Engaged Learning,” Vardaman said.