Profile of Rick Hardy

[Note: this story has been modified since its original posting.]

Richard J. Hardy is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science at the University of Missouri. He has taught for more than 33 years in public and parochial schools, a private music school, research universities and at a liberal arts college.

In 1978, Hardy received his Ph.D. in Political Science from the University of Iowa in Iowa City. He has been a media consultant and political analyst for several media organizations, including NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw, Fox Radio, Newsweek and The Wall Street Journal.

While at MU, Hardy taught courses in American government, public policy, constitutional law, and civic leadership. He has written many articles for professional journals as well as two textbooks. He has been awarded 40 significant teaching and civic leadership awards, including the four-campus Burlington Northern Faculty Achievement Award and the James T. Kemper Award for Teaching Excellence.

Hardy ran for the U.S Congress as a Republican in 1992 and lost to Democrat Harold Volkmer. He later ran for the Ninth Congressional District on the Republican ticket in 1994 but bowed out citing health problems. He has also served as a consultant to many political races at all levels of government.

He was also active in statewide reform drives and in civic organizations. Hardy has delivered nearly 800 motivational speeches to high schools, colleges, professional meetings, and civic organizations.

Currently, Hardy is writing a book on the First Amendment and is conducting research on political socialization and civic leadership.

Timeline of stories in which Hardy was quoted

• July 3, 2005: O'Connor leaves; debate follows
• June 9, 2005: Democrats open new workplace downtown
• June 7, 2005: Court bolsters federal pot laws
• Dec. 6, 2004: Rural vote evens out Boone County
• Nov. 9, 2004: GOP tightens grip on Mo.
• Oct. 17, 2004: Overseas votes could tip elections
• Oct. 11, 2004: Missouri's electors get ready to vote
• Oct. 7, 2004: GOP looks to claim wins in Boone County
• Oct. 7, 2004: Democrats lose voters in rural areas
• Sept. 29, 2004: Political year of the woman
• Sept. 8, 2004: Heartland Rally
• July 26, 2004: State seen as bellwether
• July 7, 2004: Kerry will run with Edwards
• Feb. 5, 2004: Supporters ponder Dean's fate
• Nov. 12, 2003: Fate of gun law rests on wording
• Sept. 4, 2003: Schools top candidates’ priority lists

Sources: Missourian archives, University of Missouri