Faculty FrontDoor

Patricia (PK) Hajek

As an explorer of politics, policies, and people, I have traveled the world and lived in many different countries and cities. It is my goal to inspire students and facilitate critical thinking of state-society relations in different political environments by drawing on my teaching, research, and life experiences in working with local community actors, conducting field research, and living abroad in various countries.

I have stories from all kinds of places and people that I have interacted with in my life. I hope to share some of my stories, as well as to hear about your experiences. As my mother always told me, "We are the sum of our experiences." I look forward to hearing about your diverse experiences and creating an inclusive classroom environment. 

Teaching and Research Interests Include:

Political Economy; Modes of Governance; Interest Groups, Policy Development & Implementation; Data Analysis, Scope and Methods; Democratization, Democratic Consolidation; Identity Politics; Urban Development, Urban Regimes; State Politics; Political Philosophy; Foreign Policy; Area Studies; European Union Policy; and Developing/Developed Countries

Degrees:

-Doctorate of Political Science, Comparative Politics & Urban Politics, University of Illinois at Chicago (ABD)
-Masters of Political Science, International Studies, University of Central Florida
-Bachelor of Political Science, International Relations & Comparative Politics, University of Central Florida

Certifications:

-Council for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) Certificate (State of Illinois, December 2009)
-Digital Professor Certificate (Valencia College, Florida, May 2020)
-Associate Faculty Certificate (Valencia College, Florida, 2020-2021/2021-2022/2022-2023)
-Destination 2021: Equity-Minded Practice Certificate (Valencia College, Florida, June 2021)
-LifeMap Certificate (Valencia College, Florida, Forthcoming, July 2022)

Professional & Membership Affiliations:

-American Political Science Association
-Midwest Political Science Association
-Southern Political Science Association
-Gypsy Lore Society
-Phi Kappa Phi

Best Way to Contact Me:

phajek@valenciacollege.edu