Scott Abernathy is much more than just an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University of Minnesota. His experience and work prior to being at the U of M gives him a unique and valuable skill set. Professor Abernathy’s path to political science was indirect, unorthodox, and not the typical route a professor usually takes, to say the least.
After receiving his B.A. at Dartmouth College in 1988, and before the thought of being a professor ever crossed his mind, Professor Abernathy held his first job outside of college as a counselor for troubled, homeless adolescents in Boston. He worked with a private, non-profit organization called Bridge Over Troubled Waters. After spending his time and energy with youths, Professor Abernathy came to the realization that working with young people was what he wanted to do. As a result, he went back to school to obtain his M.P.A. in Domestic Policy at Princeton University in 1997, and continued his studies there until 2002, when he received his Ph.D. in Politics.
Professor Abernathy believes the experience he gained prior to working at the U of M was a critical element that still influences the way he teaches on the collegiate level. He emphasizes the importance of individualization in regards to teaching, exclaiming, “young kids need individual connections.” His dedication to his students is another reason why he is always in contention for favorite professor among the student body. His commitment and perpetual concern for youth education is apparent in many other areas of his work. In 2005, Abernathy wrote his book School Choice and the Future of American Democracy. The book argues the use of private vouchers threatens the expression of democratic citizenship in the larger political realm, predominantly in lower socioeconomic communities. His second book was published in 2007: titled No Child Left Behind and the Public Schools, it explores the difficulties of measuring education on a qualitative scale, from the top down.
Professor Abernathy expressed that both of his books were inspired by the desire to know how public school administrative officials were affected as a result of the No Child Left Behind Act of 2002. He stated that the research initially stemmed from public policy, but the tools used to interpret, and intuitively understand the data, came from the skills he learned studying political science.
When asked about any advice he might have for alumni or future graduate students, Professor Abernathy stated: “They have to really love the subject, the ideas, and talking to students… they must know 100 percent that it’s what they want to do.” He noted that critical, analytical, and research skills are all important to have; however, in conjunction with those skills, it is essential to be curious about the subject of study. Professor Abernathy gave further insight on what strategies helped him succeed in graduate school: “Doing something everyday, even if I threw it in the trash. I tried to at least write something, keep pushing, keep spinning wheels, because it’s very easy to get frozen…maintain curiosity and a passion for learning.”
