Midland College political science and government professors available to talk about upcoming electionsOctober 28, 2021

Early voting is underway and Permian Basin residents are trying to prepare themselves to vote by doing their research on local elections. As such, they are turning to local media to break down the key issues. Midland College (MC) political science/government professors are available via Zoom or in person to provide non-partisan information. 

The following professors have availability Monday – Friday. 

Dr. Sondra Richards: Dr. Richards is the department chair and a professor for government/political science at MC. She graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in political science and a Master of Public Administration. She graduated from University of Houston with a Ph.D. in political science. Before teaching at MC she also taught at the University of Houston. Dr.  Richards’ family has always been engaged in current events and politics. And she has always been interested in the challenges of trying to make sense of political behavior. She tries to relate her classes to student interests and current events – to keep it relevant.

Dr. Terry Gilmour: Dr. Gilmour is a government/political science professor at MC. She is the advisor for MC’s chapter of Phi Theta Kappa, the international honor society for two-year colleges. Dr. Gilmour is also in charge of the MC Honors Program. She graduated from West Texas State University with a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in political science. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Ph.D. in political science. Before teaching at MC she also taught at Odessa College and Amarillo College. Dr. Gilmour feels that there is always something going on in the country and in the state in government – current events make government “real” to her students.

Ginger Schantz: Schantz is a government/political science professor at MC. She graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in journalism. She received her teaching certification from University of Texas Permian Basin. Schantz received her Master of Science in government from New Mexico State University. She loves to talk about redistricting and has been personally affected by Proposition 6 (SJR 19), one of the eight state propositions on the ballot regarding visitation during a pandemic. 

Dr. Jonathan Martin: Dr. Martin is a government/political science professor at MC. He graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science and a Master of Arts and a Ph.D. in political science, with an emphasis on comparative politics and international relations. Before teaching at MC, he also taught at Texas Tech University and South Plains College. Dr. Martin has a strong interest in U.S. elections, political parties, and international politics. 

MC government classes empower students to take on the role of an active and involved citizen.  Not only do government classes present an opportunity for students to discover the basis for democratic government, but also provide exposure to diverse perspectives and ideas that are essential to understanding our country and the world. The faculty strive to make the material relevant by linking the structure and processes of government to current events and contemporary concerns.  

With an emphasis on citizenship, reading, writing and critical thinking, MC government courses prepare students with the necessary skills to be successful anywhere.