Douglas Bennett
Associate Professor of Political Science | Southern Utah University
Cedar City, UT, UNITED STATES
Dr. Bennett joined SUU after a successful career in D.C., specializing foreign commerce, trade, and product liability
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
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Industry Expertise (5)
Research
Government Relations
Political Organization
Education/Learning
International Trade and Development
Areas of Expertise (13)
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 (3)
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 (3)
Personality of the Year Award (professional)
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 (1)
- The Washington Campus
Links (2)
Media Appearances (5)
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.’”
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.
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.
Utah Court of Appeals hears local case at SUU
The Spectrum online
2016-10-13
Southern Utah residents had a rare opportunity to see one of the state's highest court systems in action when the Utah Court of Appeals held a special session on the campus of Southern Utah University Thursday.
A Seat of Power: The Life of Senator Wallace F. Bennett's Chair Read more: KCSG Television - A Seat of Power The Life of Senator Wallace F Bennett s Chair
KCSG TV online
2016-06-16
After a 24-year career of intense debate, close votes, and history-making compromise in Washington, DC, one can expect to emerge with more than a few proverbial scratches, bumps and bruises. So a 35 hour ride in a moving truck from Washington, DC to St. George, Utah seemed much less cutthroat than a high-level political career. Read more: KCSG Television - A Seat of Power The Life of Senator Wallace F Bennett s Chair
Courses (6)
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.
POLS 4100 Special Topics: Lobbyists & Public Policy
An examination of specific issues and topics in political science such as social choice theory, American political thought, Ethics and politics, and public policy.
POLS 4110 American Political Thought
A historical approach to American political ideology and philosophy with an emphasis upon the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the origins and the evolution of American liberalism and conservatism as they relate to democracy and the role of government.
POLS 4830 Readings & Conference
This course is repeatable up to 6 credits.
