Professor of Political Science Megan Hershey Named Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professor

Whitworth University is pleased to announce Megan Hershey, Ph.D., professor of political science, has been named the next Amy M. Ryan Endowed Professor within the College of Arts & Sciences.

Hershey came to Whitworth in 2011 and teaches courses in African politics, comparative politics and international development. She is the author of Whose Agency: The Politics and Practice of Kenya’s HIV-Prevention NGOs and co-author of Africa’s Urban Youth: Challenging Marginalization, Claiming Citizenship. 

“Dr. Hershey believes a true liberal arts education expands worldviews, fosters holistic thinking, and inspires lifelong learning and service,” says John Pell, Whitworth interim provost. “She is dedicated to cultivating an environment where students can explore diverse perspectives and develop critical thinking skills that will serve them both in their careers and in their roles as global citizens. I’m confident that as the Amy Ryan Chair, Dr. Hershey will contribute to the intellectual vitality of our Whitworth community, promoting thoughtful dialogue, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to justice. Her leadership will help us realize our shared goal of using research and scholarship not only to advance knowledge but also to make meaningful contributions to society.”

Hershey regularly serves as the Fulbright Student Program adviser at Whitworth and was awarded a Fulbright Hays Doctoral Dissertation Research Abroad fellowship, as well as the Carlton T. Hodge Prize in African Studies, for her work on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) addressing HIV/AIDS in Kenya.

Trustee and alumnus David Myers ’64 and his wife, alumna Carol (Peterkin) Myers ’65, funded Whitworth’s seventh endowed position in honor of Carol’s grandmother Amy M. (Johns) Ryan, who attended Whitworth from 1894-97. The professorship is awarded to an outstanding faculty member who embodies Ryan’s love of the liberal arts, her skill in writing and her innovative spirit.

Hershey’s appointment will begin July 1, 2025, and run for four years. 

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a private Christian liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. 

Contacts: 

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu.