In The Spotlight: Professor Mike Harris

I recently had the honor of sitting down with ACC Texas Government Professor Mike Harris. I completed his class at the end of the fall semester in 2006. It remains one of the most informative, mind-boggling experiences I have had. Unfortunately for would-be students, Harris is retiring in the near future.

Q: How long have you been a college professor?

A: 20 wonderful years.

Q: What made you decide to get into higher education?

A: I wanted to be a change agent for young people and a role model for government participation.

Q: Why government?

A: Other than your major, this is the most important class you will take. If I do not turn you on to government, you are lost to the political process for the rest of your life. So, really, it's not about government; it's about citizenship and participation.

Q: What is your personal opinion of the Texas government?

A: I'm disappointed. How can you be second in size and in the bottom five states in almost every area of health and human services and education?

Q: Is there a country or state government that you admire or find most effective?

A: I think any government that takes care of its children and provides medical care for its elderly is a government that I admire. I admire Scandinavian governments.

Q: Why do you think that it is so important for young people to get involved with their government?

A: Students need to understand the connection between public policy and their participation. Participation is more than voting, it's really becoming a political activist. They could take over their government.

Q: Have there been any significant changes in Texas government since you have become involved with it?

A: It has become more conservative and more Republican. Texas is a poor training ground for national leadership. As Texas governor, Bush was at 70 percent; now as President he is at 30 percent. That ought to tell you something about Texas government.

Q: What do you predict the future holds for government (Texas and U.S.)?

A: After 9/11, Americans were counting on government. But after the government failed during Katrina, people are realizing that those in charge of their government have failed them. Governments are only as good as their leaders.

Q: What do you plan to do after you retire this year?

A: I'm going to continue my political activism and give 10 percent of what I make to charity and 10 hours a week back to my community. I'm going out of this world like I came in, kicking and screaming and raising hell...and fighting for what I believe is right. Right has the right of way.

Q: Overall, what has been your favorite thing about teaching?

A: Being a change agent and seeing students become involved in the political process with the belief that they can and should make a difference.

Q: If you could leave a message with the students who weren't fortunate enough to take your class, what would that be?

A: Hold your governments accountable. It is your government, not the politicians. Seize the moment, do the good and be all you can be. You get no second chance, and remember that every day of your life is a page of your book. I've always expected my students to fill every page, to spell correctly, to punctuate well and to do something for someone else every day. I expect my students to write New York Times best-sellers.