Doug Hoekstra was a central figure on the faculty of James Madison College for more than four decades, from his arrival as a graduate student in 1969, working for the founding dean, Herb Garfinkel, until his death in May of 2006. He made important contributions to help shape and mold JMC into the institution it has become today.
Hoekstra was born in Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Central High School. He went on to study at Michigan State University and received his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. degrees from MSU before joining the faculty of James Madison College. As a professor, he inspired generations of students with his teaching of American politics, the founding and especially the presidency. As a scholar, he contributed greatly to the study of the presidency, with particular emphasis on the role of character in decision-making. His most recent research drew upon original documents and focused on President Gerald R. Ford, whose football locker he used at Central High School.
Hoekstra’s contributions to James Madison College and its students were numerous, but one particular theme rises to the top. He was always an advocate and strong proponent of strengthening the college’s curriculum and field experiences connected with American political institutions and the rough and tumble of the American political process. He had a talent for bringing to life current events and today’s front page by connecting them with the history of American politics, institutions, and political theory. He helped students see the big picture.
Douglas J. Hoekstra Endowment
The Douglas J. Hoekstra Endowment for the Study of American Politics and Political Institutions continues his legacy by supporting student field experience and internships that allow students to connect their coursework with the reality of American politics and institutions at the state and national level. Through this endowment, current and future students continue to benefit from Hoekstra's passion and come to know in some small way the power of his legacy at James Madison College.