Former Rep. Gibson to return to Siena as visiting faculty
He’ll teach two courses in school’s political science and history departments
Former Rep. Chris Gibson will return to Siena College next fall as a visiting distinguished visiting professor in public service leadership, college officials announced Monday.
The Republican politician from Kind er hook will teach two courses a this alma mater as part of the college’s political science and history departments for two years starting in September 2020.
Gibson, who graduated from the private Catholic college in 1986 and earned two master’ s degrees and a Ph. D. from Cornell University, accepted a green-and-gold striped tie, the color soft he Siena Saints, as a welcome back gift from Siena College Interim President Margaret Madden.
“It’ s just tremendous to be rejoining the Saints, tobe rejoining the Siena team ,” Gibson said .“It’ s a natural move to Siena; this is a place of leadership.”
Gibson symbolic ally removed his power- red tie and knotted t he striped clot h around his neck with a motion as swift and smooth as his move from the political stage to the ivory tower three years ago.
The retired
U.S. Army colonel served three twoyear terms in the U.S. House, first representing t he New York ’s 20th Congressional District and later in the 19 th Congressional District, bet ween 2010 and 2016.
Gibson formed an exploratory committee to consider a run for New York governor in 2016, but despite broad interest in his campaign against Democratic Gov. Andrew M.Cuo mo, he accepted a faculty position at Williams College in Williams town, Mass ., citing a desire to put his family first.
In 2017, he published “Rally Point: Five Tasks to Unite t he Country and Revitalize the American Dream ,” a blueprint form ending the current fractured political climate by returning to principals established in the 18 th century.
It’ s the same message Gibson brings to Siena. In his remarks Monday, he expressed grave concern over the vitriol he sees permeating modern American politics as well as t he increased concentration of power in t he executive branch.
“When you bring about change through executive action, what you do is you tear this country apart ,” Gibson said .“Change is never easy; it ’s not easy in our persona l lives and it ’s not easy in government.”
Gibson continues to be active in the New York Republican Party, running Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro’s unsuccessful gubernatorial campaign in 2018.
The congressman said he looks forward to shaping the mind soft he next generation of public servants, showing them how to lead with compassion, which he says is integral to the Franciscan tradition.
“His dedication to preparing future leaders and encouraging bi partisan dialogue fits well with Siena’s mission,” Madden said. ■