Mark Button – Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Professor, Political Science
1. He is originally from Baker City, Oregon.
2. He received his Ph.D. in political science from Rutgers University and his B.A. from the University of Oregon—political science major, peace studies minor.
3. He says the best thing about Nebraska is "the spirit and graciousness of the people. The thunderstorms are pretty impressive as well!"
4. To him, being a Husker means "a strong work ethic, resilience, and caring and supporting each other."
5. His favorite Nebraska tradition that relates back to CAS is "celebrating student academic achievements and awarding individual diplomas at Commencement. This relates to the College of Arts and Sciences where academics + experience = real life opportunities."
6. Amanda Metcalf has helped him be successful at Nebraska. "She helps me every day in serving the students, faculty, and staff of the college."
7. He describes the College of Arts and Sciences as "the largest and most diverse college on campus: with 58 departments, centers, and programs and 33 majors and 57 minors. It is the academic heart of UNL."
8. In college, he "was a leader in student government and my fraternity at the University of Oregon. I was a member of the university's student orientation staff—where I met my future wife. I also played intramural baseball."
9. His advice to new students: "utilize faculty office hours. This is one of the best, and least utilized, resources on campus for your academic success."
10. His favorite ice cream flavor is Tin Roof.
11. His favorite binge-worthy TV show: "Does major league baseball count?"
12. His favorite songs right now: "Anything by Chris Stapleton. I am also awaiting the release of the new Tool album. I still listen to a lot of Soundgarden, Pearl Jam, and Nirvana (I am from the pacific northwest where this music is grafted to our DNA)."
