Hardy to teach at Western Illinois

After 28 years, professor of political science Rick Hardy will leave MU.

By Jedd Rosche

Published March 7, 2006

Rick Hardy, associate professor of political science and a former Congressional candidate, will leave MU at the end of the semester.

Hardy was hired by Western Illinois University in Macomb, Ill., to become chairman of its political science department.

Hardy said he and his wife agreed that going to Western Illinois University was the right decision.

"I want to make sure at Mizzou, I go out at the top of my game," Hardy said. "After 28 years of teaching here, it's time to make a change. It feels comfortable."

Hardy said as chairman he would have more freedom to choose his classes, and he plans to introduce programs for high school teachers about civics education.

"I'm a graduate of Western Illinois, and my family is from that area," Hardy said. "It's a closer place to home."

Hardy said his ailing father lives in the area, and he said he wants to be closer to him.

Charles Helm, chairman of the political science department at Western Illinois University, said he plans to retire in April. He said Hardy's relationship to the community would benefit Hardy and department.

"He is a likeable fellow, and we thought he would fit in well with the department," Helm said.

Helm said Hardy had worked at the school before.

"He ran several institutes, one over the summer and one during the school year, which the department and dean of the College of Arts_and Sciences found quite appealing," Helm said. "He also organized an election conference some years ago in which students selected the Republican and Democratic candidates for the presidency."

Helm said Hardy managed to gather a number of local and state politicians to participate in the simulation.

John Petrocik, chairman of the MU political science department, said Hardy is popular because his courses appeal to students.

"He's always been a very popular teacher," Petrocik said. "Students like his courses. It was one of his major contributions to the department."

Richard Schwartz, dean of the College of Arts and Science, said Hardy will be missed on campus.

"Dr. Hardy is an exceptional teacher who taught generations of MU students," Schwartz said.

Schwartz said Hardy's replacement will not be determined until at least the summer.

Since coming to campus, Hardy has earned several awards, including a Kemper Fellowship for Teaching Excellence in 1991.

Hardy also ran for the U.S. House of Representatives in 1992 and 1994. He was defeated in 1992, and he dropped out of the race in 1994 after citing health concerns.