Douglas Hoekstra joined James Madison College in 1969, two years after its founding, as a graduate student working for founding dean Herb Garfinkel. He became one of the college’s earliest faculty members and remained at JMC for 36 years, until he passed away in May 2006.
A native of Grand Rapids, Hoekstra earned his B.A., M.A. and Ph.D. from Michigan State University before joining JMC as a professor of political theory and constitutional democracy. His scholarship focused on the American presidency and the role of character in presidential decision-making, with his later research drawing on original documents related to President Gerald R. Ford. Colleagues regarded him as a master teacher and someone who brought current politics into conversation with the founding texts and institutions he taught.
“He infused the study of American politics, the American political tradition and especially the American presidency into the Madison curriculum, and he did that in a marvelous way,” Prof. Richard Zinman, a longtime JMC colleague, told the Lansing State Journal shortly after Hoekstra’s death.
In 2007, students, alumni and friends of the college established the Douglas J. Hoekstra Endowment for the Study of American Politics and Political Institutions in his memory. The endowment supports Madison students in field experiences and internships, an applied component of Madison’s curriculum that Hoekstra particularly valued. For nearly 20 years, scholarship recipients have worked at the state and national level in legislative offices, on campaigns and in government agencies.
The Q&As that follow feature the reflections of three recent Hoekstra scholarship recipients. Twenty years after his death, the endowment continues to extend Hoekstra’s work and support new generations of JMC students.
Read more about the endowment and make a gift to the fund online.
Parker Dennings (SRP ’25)
Summer 2023 Hoekstra Scholarship Recipient
What internship did you pursue through the Hoekstra Scholarship?
During the summer of 2023, I began working an unpaid internship in the Michigan House of Representatives. I was grateful to receive the Hoekstra award, among other scholarships, which allowed me to focus on the experience without additional financial burdens. I worked three to four days a week that summer, allowing me to dedicate myself fully to the internship experience. My commitment that summer directly led to the career path I am currently on.
Because I was able to be there every day that the House was in session, I was given responsibility over the phone, which was daunting at first but became easier with time. Additionally, I was responsible for the office’s daily schedule, which meant managing the calendar for a busy member. With constant invitations and meeting requests, I quickly developed successful systems that I use to this day. During the final month of the internship, both of my coworkers went on vacation, leaving me as the sole staffer for two weeks. That was a great opportunity to prove my worth to the office.
How did that experience shape your career path or the way you think about public affairs?
Interacting directly with the Representative on his schedule can be challenging, but it allowed me to foster a relationship with him. My success that summer earned me a return offer to be a paid intern for my junior year of college. After that year, they brought me on full-time. I balanced my coursework senior year with working in the Representative’s office. I’m very fortunate to be working for the same Representative to this day. Without the opportunity to prove myself that summer, I have no idea where I would be now. Looking forward, I plan to stay with my Representative and team for years to come.
Ava Selby (IR ’27)
Fall 2025 Hoekstra Scholarship Recipient
What internship did you pursue through the Hoekstra Scholarship?
I completed an internship with Acuitas, gaining hands-on experience in public affairs and strategic communications. In my day-to-day work, I conducted policy research, tracked legislative developments, drafted memos and supported client-facing materials. I also had the opportunity to sit in on meetings and observe how professionals translate complex political and policy developments into clear, actionable strategies.
One of the most impactful aspects of my experience was being involved in a coalition focused on addressing drug-impaired driving. Through this work, I was able to see how advocacy groups, policymakers and stakeholders collaborate to advance public safety initiatives, deepening my understanding of how policy issues are shaped and communicated across sectors. In addition, I attended briefings and committee-related events, which allowed me to observe policymaking in real time and better understand the broader legislative environment.
How did that experience shape your career path or the way you think about public affairs?
This experience played a defining role in shaping my career path. My time at Acuitas helped me take a concrete step toward achieving my goal of coming to Washington, D.C., for the summer. Being immersed in the policy environment, especially through attending committee discussions and engaging more deeply with current policy issues, showed me that I want to pursue a career in intelligence and national security. I became particularly interested in how information is gathered, analyzed and used to inform high-level decision-making. The experience also reinforced the importance of strong analytical and communication skills, which I am continuing to develop through my coursework and future internships.
Anika Bery (IR & PRC ’28)
Spring 2026 Hoekstra Scholarship Recipient
What internship did you pursue through the Hoekstra Scholarship?
I was able to pursue a legislative internship in the State Senate office of Sen. Sarah Anthony, chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
In the office, my day-to-day work involved constituent correspondence via email and telephone, drafting policy memos, and attending meetings and events with the other staff members.
How did that experience shape your career path or the way you think about public affairs?
This experience has shaped my understanding of public affairs because it allowed me to see how meaningful conversations with different stakeholders are in shaping policy decisions and the legislative process. In our office, a key aspect of every interaction was to listen fully and empathetically. As I practiced this daily, I have learned just how much of a difference it can make in people’s lives when they feel seen and heard.
For future JMC students, if you have the opportunity to intern in an office like this: do it! The connections and experience you gain are invaluable.