Bridget Hester – President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching

In an era of endless headlines, viral misinformation, and increasingly polarized public discourse, Southeastern students are learning that understanding politics requires more than knowing the facts—it demands the ability to question, analyze, and evaluate the world around them. Few faculty members embrace that mission more fully than Instructor of Political Science Bridget Hester, who has helped students develop those critical skills since joining Southeastern in 2017.

One of only three political scientists in the Department of History and Political Science, Hester teaches a wide range of courses and helps prepare students to become informed citizens and future leaders.

Hester said that because we currently live in a politically charged time, critical evaluation skills are more important than ever.

“Media literacy is a part of this skill set, and I try to incorporate that as much as possible,” she said. “Evaluating sources and exploring conflicting perspectives is a critically important ability that few people seem to have today, so this has become a strong emphasis in my courses, and I accomplish this through multiple types of assignments and in-class activities.”

A central component of Hester’s teaching is helping students move beyond memorizing information and toward meaningful inquiry. In her upper-level courses, students conduct in-depth research, evaluating sources to answer significant questions about the political world.

“Over the years I have increasingly emphasized that research should be more about answering interesting and important questions about the political world than regurgitating facts found in online encyclopedias,” she explained. “My in-class focus provides students with the fundamental theoretical and factual knowledge base upon which they may build their understanding.”

Retired Political Science Professor and 2021 recipient of the President’s Award for Excellence in Teaching Margaret Gonzales-Perez said Hester’s approach equips students with skills extending far beyond the classroom.

“Part of Ms. Hester’s teaching philosophy is that students learn how to learn, and that involves evaluating sources and credibility,” Gonzales-Perez said. “She also has her students formulate their own opinions, supported by data and research, and present those through written work, in-class discussions, and debates.”

Beyond her regular course load, Hester frequently teaches the Internship in Political Science course and supervises independent studies, helping students gain professional experience and career opportunities.

“It is very gratifying to help students gain real world experience through internships, which sometimes turn into post-graduation job opportunities,” she said. “I’ve developed strong relationships with district attorneys’ offices and a few private firms in the Tangipahoa Parish area that have helped our law school bound students quite a lot in learning how law offices and court rooms operate.”

Gonzales-Perez said Hester’s commitment to students sets her apart.

“She is organized and innovative in the classroom, in addition to being a caring mentor for her students and former students,” she said. “During my 28 years at Southeastern, I have not seen anyone more devoted to teaching than Ms. Hester.”