Duane Bonifer  |   Published March 29, 2023

Former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos to Teach Political Science Class

Former five-term congresswoman from Illinois to team up with political science lecturer Robin Johnson to teach “Campaign Methods” course.

MONMOUTH, Ill. – Monmouth College students will get to study U.S. political campaigns next fall with two of the Midwest’s political veterans.

Former U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos will team up with Monmouth political science lecturer Robin Johnson to teach the “Campaign Methods” course.

CHERI BUSTOS: ?For the last decade, I served in Congress, representing the men, women and childre... CHERI BUSTOS: “For the last decade, I served in Congress, representing the men, women and children of central, western and northern Illinois. In my next chapter, public service will mean teaching our next generation of leaders from Monmouth College. I look forward to learning about their ideas and sharing what I have learned in my many years in public life.”The 200-level political science course explores grassroots campaigns, examines the rise of analytics and data-driven campaigns, and gives students the opportunity to apply what they learn about campaign methods to a current campaign.

Bustos, who represented Illinois’ 17th Congressional District from 2013-23, said she is excited about encouraging the rising generation of college students to become involved in public service.

“Public service comes in all shapes and sizes,” said Bustos, who was the first woman elected to Congress from her district in the northwestern part of Illinois. “For the last decade, I served in Congress, representing the men, women and children of central, western and northern Illinois. In my next chapter, public service will mean teaching our next generation of leaders from Monmouth College. I look forward to learning about their ideas and sharing what I have learned in my many years in public life.”

Johnson – who is an expert in governmental relations public policy and a longtime political consultant – is also host of the radio show and podcast Heartland Politics with Robin Johnson, which is anchored at WVIK-FM.

“It’s an honor for Congresswoman Bustos to share her knowledge on politics and government with students at Monmouth,” he said. “We plan to provide students with practical, hands-on teaching and have leading political figures from both parties share their expertise as well. It’s a win-win for the congresswoman, Monmouth College, and mostly, the students.”

Monmouth College President Clarence R. Wyatt said the fall class will give students a rare opportunity to benefit from one of Illinois’ most respected public servants.

“Congresswoman Bustos was a great friend and partner of Monmouth College during her time in office,” said Wyatt. “We are very fortunate to continue that relationship as she engages directly with our students as a teacher. Having someone with her experience and commitment powerfully reflects the College’s focus on preparing students for lifelong success as leaders and servants in their careers and their communities.”

“Having someone with (Rep. Bustos’) experience and commitment powerfully reflects the College’s focus on preparing students for lifelong success as leaders and servants in their careers and their communities.”
– President Clarence R. Wyatt

Monmouth Dean of the Faculty Mark Willhardt said the class will provide students with “a life-altering occasion.”

“Few students can learn from teachers who live their commitments – to other people, to equitable policies – on the national stage,” said Willhardt. “That our students can do so from someone as grounded and accomplished as Congressperson Bustos is a life-altering occasion for them.”

Related Stories

Back to News & Events

Did you know?

  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> We’re no stranger to winning. Last year the Fighting Scots won Midwest Conference championships in Football, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Basketball and Men’s Track and Field. </p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_urls"><a href="https://monmouthscots.com/" target="_blank">Fighting Scots</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> 99% of Monmouth students received some type of scholarship or financial assistance.</p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/offices/student-financial-planning/types-of-aid/scholarships/" target="_blank">Scholarships</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> Monmouth College offers unique academic minors in Global Public Health and Global Food Security for students who want to use their education to address global challenges. </p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/academics/global-public-health/" target="_blank">Global Public Health</a></li><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/academics/global-food-security/" target="_blank">Global Food Security</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> Monmouth College has an educational garden and 6.7 acre farm. Students grow and harvest fruits and vegetables to sell at the local farmer’s market. </p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_urls"><a href="https://monmouthcollege.edu/academics/only-at-monmouth/educational-garden-farm/" target="_blank">Garden & Farm</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> Monmouth College covers the cost for all current students to get a U.S. passport. Unlock access to over 198 different countries! We’ll even help with the paperwork :)</p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/academics/study-abroad/" target="_blank">Study Abroad</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> We offer a certified Peace Corps Preparation program that gives Peace Corps bound graduates a leg up in the application process.</p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/academics/peace-corps-prep/" target="_blank">Peace Corps Prep</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p><strong>Monmouth College is the birthplace of the women’s fraternity movement. Pi Beta Phi, the first such collegiate women’s organization, was founded at Monmouth in 1867. It was followed three years later by Kappa Kappa Gamma. The two pioneering organizations today boast a total of 275 active chapters nationwide.</strong></p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/student-life/sororities-fraternities/" target="_blank">Sororities & Fraternities</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> Monmouth College has an active Pipe & Drum Band. Each year on Scholar’s Day in April the bagpipers wake students up at 6:00 a.m. by playing in the residence halls!</p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/academics/music/pipe-band/" target="_blank">Pipe Band</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> Monmouth College is proudly test optional. Applicants may choose whether or to submit SAT or ACT scores for admission and scholarship consideration. </p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/admission/apply/test-optional/" target="_blank">Test Optional</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> Monmouth College offers several international trips each year during 2-week Scots Terms in January and May. Recently students have traveled to Botswana, Greece, Scotland, Japan, and more. </p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_urls"><a href="https://monmouthcollege.edu/offices/global-engagement/" target="_blank">Scots Term</a></li></ul></div></aside>
  • <aside class="factoid-item"><div class="factoid-item-text"><p> 98% of Monmouth graduates were employed or enrolled in graduate school within six months of graduation.</p></div><div class="factoid-item-links"><ul><li class="lw_related_page"><a href="/wackerle-center/career-services/" target="_blank">Career Preparation</a></li></ul></div></aside>