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Sammy Linebaugh ReportingYou may know him as the political pollster, but his students know him as "professor". Dan Jones teaches one of the most popular courses at the University of Utah, so as we celebrate graduation day -- Sammy Linebaugh takes a sneak peek of his class.
Lucy Rampton: "He's very much made it come alive."
Adam Reeder: "He's helped me identify what I believe and what kind of questions I should ask."
He’s a man many call ‘Professor’, who has a passion for politics.
Prof. Dan Jones, University of Utah: “It’s just like the world series or NBA championships to me. I just love it.”
Pat Jones, Wife: "Dan has been teaching at the higher education level since 1959. He has never missed a class."
Dan Jones has spent more than 40 years teaching political science and government. To him, an election year is like the playoffs. In-class debates can require a referee.
From Iraq to abortion, from candidate Kerry to incumbent Bush, Dr. Jones does the asking and expects his students to find the answer by weaving history with current headlines. ¤
Adam Reeder: "It's a class you don't want to miss. I actually have, for the first time, a subscription to the New York Times and I read it daily, thanks to Dr. Jones."
Lucy Rampton: “Now it feels like it’s my turn. He’s very much made me feel like I have a responsibility.”
Travis Knudsen: “He cares about seeing the kids in his class move on and become somebody.”
And that's why, Jones says, he never misses a class.
Dan Jones: "I know it sounds corny, but I really love my students. I really do."
Pat Jones: "He really trusts his students, and he believes in them."
