Douglas Bennett

Associate Professor of Political Science

  • Cedar City UT UNITED STATES

Dr. Bennett joined SUU after a successful career in D.C., specializing foreign commerce, trade, and product liability

Contact

Biography

Douglas F. Bennett joined Southern Utah University in 2014 after a long and successful career in Washington D.C. Bennett now chairs the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice at SUU.

Prof. Bennett began his D.C. career as Minority Counsel to the Committee on Energy and Commerce in the U.S. House of Representatives. As both Minority and Majority Counsel, Bennett managed a broad portfolio of legislative issues including interstate and foreign commerce, trade, product liability, insurance and automobile safety standards. Upon leaving Capitol Hill, Bennett joined Public Strategies Washington in D.C as Vice President, later moving to Timmons and Company as Executive Vice President. At both firms, Bennett represented world-renowned companies and universities developing and executing government relations and crisis management programs.

Bennett joined the Liberty Mutual Group of Boston, MA in 2004, and opened the company’s Office of Federal Affairs and International Affairs. Bennett directed Liberty Mutual's legislative and regulatory advocacy in Washington--including the successful re-authorization of the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. Bennett’s international successes with Liberty Mutual included securing a license for Liberty Mutual to conduct business in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, lowering barriers to entry in the People's Republic of China and leading efforts to secure a license allowing Liberty Mutual to market third party liability insurance in China, the first such license issued to a non-Chinese company.

Bennett’s diverse experience enriches his classroom and students are eager to take a variety of political science courses from one with experience in politics, legislation, trade, foreign investment, and product liability throughout the United States, Europe, and Asia. Bennett earned two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Utah, one in political science and the other in philosophy, both magna cum laude. He also hold a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Utah.

Spotlight

2 min

Midterm Elections - The Day After

The day after … with Democrats taking the House and Republicans stronger in the Senate – what can we expect for the next two years?It was a night most pundits expected – a DNC surge in Congress, as voters held the Trump administration to account. High voter turnout led to a long night and many close races across the country.Surprisingly, the Republicans bolstered their position in the Senate, giving them enough wiggle room now with a comfortable four seat majority.But what can Americans expect moving forward? A Democratic House could see DNC controlled committees putting forward an army of subpoenas from everything including the Russia investigation, to the President’s tax returns and all things in between. A Republican Senate now has a clear and simple path for appointments and nominations.But now that it is over, will the two houses be able to work together to pass legislation and budgets? For the good of the country and for the sake of progress will much needed cooperation and compromise be an opportunity to over come America’s great political divide?Or will this be two years of chaos, bickering and a country stuck between political divisions?What lies ahead is not an easy question – and that’s where the political experts from Southern Utah University can help.Mary Weaver Bennett is the director of the Michael O. Leavitt Center for Politics and Public Service at Southern Utah University. She spent over 25 years in a range of Washington, DC institutions and specializes in U.S. midterm elections and American politics.Dr. G. Michael Stathis is a professor of political science and an expert in the fields of American Government international relations.Donna Law is the Executive Director of Development and Government Relations at Southern Utah University and can speak about the impacts of government and higher education in Utah and across America.Douglas F. Bennett joined Southern Utah University in 2014 after a long and successful career in Washington D.C. He now chairs the Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice at SUU and is an expert in trade, global relations and political organization.Dr. Angela Pool-Funai is director of the Master of Public Administration program at Southern Utah University and an assistant professor of political science and public administration. She is an expert in the areas of taxation and tax policy.All of these experts are available to speak with media – simply click on any of their icons to arrange an interview today.

Douglas BennettMary  BennettG. Michael Stathis

2 min

Changing the Course - Updating the FAA Curriculum

Today’s aviation technicians are being taught curriculum that was created over 56 years ago, before the invention of cell phones, GPS, personal computers or the Internet. Aviation students are not prepared for real-world jobs because they have been learning outdated curriculum that hasn’t been relevant in years. Jared Britt, Director of Maintenance for the Aviation program at Southern Utah University and expert on aviation, is ready to change that. In addition to working with current aviation students at SUU, Britt’s goal is to get an exemption to coincide with future airman certification standards and better prepare students for industry jobs.“My passion comes from the consistent need to drive change. The curriculum has barely changed in years. Why shouldn’t it be SUU trying to make the world of aviation a safer place by providing better training? There is a need, and we have the ability to meet that need in a way no one else ever has. I am excited to see our aviation program grow, and I am proud to be a part of a university that can see the value and necessity of offering technical training along with a degree path.”If granted the exception, SUU will be allowed to utilize the method of credit hours in lieu of seat time requirements, teach with modern, advanced technology, and will encourage workforce development so the transition from graduation to career will be smooth and efficient.The success of the initiatives thus far can be credited to a team effort. Michael Mower, the Executive Director of the SUU Aviation, has been a key player in the process, as well as others outside of the aviation program. Douglas Bennett, Chair for Political Science and Criminal Justice Department at Southern Utah University has been working to support the efforts of the SUU Aviation program. “As we join with ATEC members to urge the FAA to update the FAR Part 147 Rules, I look forward to discussing with them the tools and tactics of successful advocacy. We have an excellent story to tell, and I’m confident that with the help of our colleagues and Members of Congress we will make significant progress toward reaching our mutual goals.”Working together to make a change, Britt, Bennett, and Mower will be presenting at the 2018 ATEC Annual Conference in Washington D.C. March 17-20, 2018. They are familiar with the media and available for an interview.Source:

Douglas BennettJared BrittMichael Mower

2 min

Recap of the 2018 State of the Union Address

President Trump delivered his first official State of the Union address Tuesday evening focusing on five key issues: Jobs and the Economy, Infrastructure, Immigration, Trade and National Security. The House of Representatives and US Senate, as well as members of the president's cabinet, and justices of the Supreme Court filled the chamber. Douglas Bennett, Chair for Political Science and Criminal Justice Department at Southern Utah University, and expert on U.S. politics felt the speech was balanced. “The tone was less strident and confrontational, and I think most Americans agreed. President Trump is not a natural speaker, and, as has been observed, often ‘speaks words as though he’s mad at them.’ Last night was a softer tone. The edge was there, but so was the heart. I was pleased and somewhat relieved.” According to a CBS News poll taken after the State of the Union address, the majority of Americans agree: “three in four Americans who tuned in to President Trump's State of the Union address tonight approved of the speech he gave. Just a quarter disapproved.” President Trump began his presidency by putting the U.S. first and started the address strongly defending domestic policies, again making them his priority. Bennett summarizes that “the President touted his administration's economic record which includes rising wages, increased asset values, lower taxes and unemployment. As Republicans stood and applauded the success, Democrats sat uncomfortably. Advantage Trump.” “On immigration, the reception was muted all round. Republicans do not like DACA and were not happy talking about a pathway to citizenship for 1.8 million undocumented workers. Democrats were equally upset as President Trump announced the end of the visa lottery, ‘catch and release,’ and chain migration.” “The President spoke both warmly and critically of trade policy, citing the need for ‘fair and reciprocal’ trade and promising to renegotiate trade agreements that fail to meet his standards.” Bennett concludes thinking “the BBC put it well when they said ‘this speech had a softer touch. The language was smooth. The edge, however, was still as sharp.’”Douglas Bennett joined Southern Utah University in 2014 after a long and successful career in Washington D.C. He is familiar with the media and available for an interview. Simply visit his profile.Source:

Douglas Bennett

Industry Expertise

Research
Government Relations
Political Organization
Education/Learning
International Trade and Development

Areas of Expertise

Crisis Management for Corporations
Legislative and Regulatory Advocacy
Trade and Globalization
Automobile Safety Standards
Comprehensive Product Liability Reform
Interstate and Foreign Commerce
Lobbying
North American Free Trade Agreement
Product Liability
Public Relations for Corporations
Terrorism Risk Insurance Act
Third Party Liability Insurance
U.S. Politics

Education

University of Utah

B.A.

Political Science

Magna Cum Laude

University of Utah

B.S.

Philosophy

Magna Cum Laude

University of Utah

Juris Doctor

Law

Accomplishments

Personality of the Year Award

SUU Thunderbird Award 2015

Ford's Theatre Board of Trustees

Washington, D.C. 2003-2013

Congressional Delegate

Uruguay Round of the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade

Affiliations

  • The Washington Campus

Media Appearances

President Wyatt Auctions off His Parking Space for SUU Scholarships

SUU News  online

2021-02-03

It all started when Provost Faculty Fellow of Political Science Doug Bennett and President Wyatt went to Bryce Canyon National Park for a Deming Institute presentation — an organization that teaches Dr. Edward Deming’s approach to leadership and management. "The speaker told of a corporate executive who auctioned off his parking space,” Bennett said. “On the way home, President Wyatt said, ‘That’s a good idea. I think I’ll auction off my parking space.’”

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A Political Love Story

SUU News  online

2017-09-25

All odds were against them. She is a democrat and he is a republican, but Mary and Doug Bennett have made their marriage work since they met in Capitol Hill. They now work at SUU and couldn’t be happier with where they’re at.

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Bob Schieffer slated for Commencement at SUU

KCSG TV  online

2017-02-14

Emmy-award winning political commentator and TV journalist Bob Schieffer is slated to be Southern Utah University’s 2017 Commencement speaker. Schieffer will address the graduating class on Friday, April 28.

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Courses

POLS 1100 American National Government

Source of democratic ideas and principles of the constitutional system. Cultural, group, party and governmental influences on the process of public policymaking. The administration and impact of public policy.

POLS 3010 Current Political Issues

The study of selected controversies in politics revolving around moral, legal, philosophical, policy, and empirical issues.

POLS 3130 American Legislative Processes and Behavior

Organization, procedures and leadership of Congress. The committee system, legislative-administrative relationships and inter-legislative relationships. Problems of legislative leadership and procedures.

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