“I’ve done a lot of lecturing on political topics, but this is my first time leading a course,” Taft said. “I’ve always been passionate about education, and my primary interests at the University of Dayton have been on improving education and access to college.”
Taft, who had 30 years in elected office, comes from several generations of politicians. His father and grandfather were both U.S. Senators, and his great-grandfather, William Howard Taft, was president and later served as U.S. Supreme Court chief justice.
“Having cut his political teeth in the Ohio statehouse and with the unique vantage point that comes from his gubernatorial experience, Gov. Taft is providing students a first-rate learning experience on how legislatures really work,” said Jason Pierce, chair of the political science department
“He has such great connections,” said Tyeshia Garrettson, a senior political science major from New York. “I’ve never been in any other class where I have access to so many people in Congress. And who better to have teach you about politics than someone with actual experience?”
Taft’s experience helps with lectures and scheduling guests, but it also helps with assignments, said Ashley Merino, a sophomore political science and pre-law double major from Columbus. “One of our assignments is to write an advocacy letter to our Congressional representative,” she said. “Gov. Taft has been able to show us actual letters he has received and give us practical tips on how to write them. What we’re learning in the classroom is applicable to our everyday lives.”