Professor Scott Boddery and his dog Kennedy (submitted photo)
By Maddie Neiman, Staff Writer
Earlier this year, Professor Scott Boddery joined the Gettysburg College faculty as an assistant professor in the political science department. Replacing Professor Ken Mott, who retired last spring after more than 50 years at Gettysburg, Dr. Boddery has quite the shoes to fill, but the new tenure-track faculty member has strong qualifications and, as importantly, an enthusiasm for political science and teaching.
Originally from Rochester, NY, Boddery received his undergraduate degree in South Carolina before obtaining his juris doctorate at Florida State University College of Law and his Ph. D at Binghamton University. Since law school, Boddery has been intrigued by judicial behavior and politics, and he continues his doctorate research in public support for the Supreme Court and Court legitimacy.
“We take it for granted nowadays,” said Boddery, referring to the Supreme Court and how it is legitimized by public opinion. “It’s a phenomenon that’s pretty interesting.”
Any student or faculty member interested in the judiciary would certainly find a conversation with Boddery about his academic interests both enlightening and fascinating.
After several years as a visiting professor at Davidson College, Boddery came to Gettysburg. He knew that he wanted to work at a liberal arts college, and Gettysburg was his top choice. Here, he teaches courses in constitutional law, civil liberties and rights, the American government, and research methods. Recently, Boddery was approved to teach a course called Legal Analysis, which he taught at Davidson and found to be “a big hit.” Boddery is also working to develop the pre-law program for Gettysburg students and serves as a pre-law advisor for students.
Coming to Gettysburg, Boddery was accompanied by his wife and their four-year-old English Labrador, Kennedy (named after President John F. Kennedy). When he’s not teaching or researching, Boddery enjoys taking his presidential puppy on walks along nature trails, playing golf, exploring photography, and figuring out The New York Times crossword puzzles.
Boddery would like the Gettysburg College community to know that he is “committed to a liberal arts education and student-oriented.”
He wants to focus on preparing his students for their life beyond college.
Approachable and willing to help, Boddery represents a great resource for Gettysburg students.
“And,” Boddery said with a smile, “I bring Kennedy to campus sometimes.”
