Positions Held
Dr. Steigenga has worked as a researcher, educator, and administrator in the fields of political science and Latin American studies for 25 years. He is currently a professor of political science and named professor of community engagement at the Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University where he has served as interim dean, associate dean, and chair. He taught at the University of Massachusetts, Colby College and Davidson College before coming to the Wilkes Honors College of FAU in 1999. Dr. Steigenga was one of 16 founding members who designed the structure and curriculum for this unique, four-year, interdisciplinary college. He teaches courses on comparative politics, world politics, international relations, US-Latin America relations, Latin American politics, foreign policy, immigration, and social entrepreneurship. In 2008, 2009, and 2012 he developed and directed study abroad programs in Guatemala, focused on immigration and transnationalism. Additionally, Dr. Steigenga has supervised dozens of undergraduate theses and served as chair on multiple search committees, faculty committees, dean's appointments and university committees at FAU and in the local community.
From 2002 through 2015 Dr. Steigenga served as co-principal investigator on multiple Ford Foundation grants (totaling over $2 million) focusing on religion and immigration. Dr. Steigenga served as a Fulbright Lecturer/Visiting Scholar in Guatemala in 2006, and in 2010 and 2011 he served as a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C. From 2011 to 2017 he served as the chair of social sciences and humanities at the Wilkes Honors College and from 2012 through the present he has served as the co-director of the Kenan Social Engagement Program. In 2016 he accepted a named professorship in community engagement.
From 2002 through 2015 Dr. Steigenga served as co-principal investigator on multiple Ford Foundation grants (totaling over $2 million) focusing on religion and immigration. Dr. Steigenga served as a Fulbright Lecturer/Visiting Scholar in Guatemala in 2006, and in 2010 and 2011 he served as a Public Policy Scholar at the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars in Washington D.C. From 2011 to 2017 he served as the chair of social sciences and humanities at the Wilkes Honors College and from 2012 through the present he has served as the co-director of the Kenan Social Engagement Program. In 2016 he accepted a named professorship in community engagement.
