Meet the Faculty: Mark Nance

Mark Nance is an associate professor of political science and the director of the Master of International Studies program. His research and teaching interests focus on international relations and comparative politics, and the politics of the economy. He has conducted field work in six countries and has led study abroad programs in Spain, the Czech Republic, Mexico, and Brazil.

How long have you been at NC State and which classes do you usually teach?

I have been at NC State for 12 years. I usually teach courses about international political economy, illicit markets, European politics, and the MIS program capstone seminar. 

In what area do you focus your research? 

Illicit markets and efforts to stop them.

Why does the study of political science matter? 

I don’t think it matters more than other disciplines, to be clear. But it can help us understand how political actors and institutions shape the world around us.

What led you to a career as a professor of political science? 

I decided law school was going to be boring and an undergrad professor suggested I consider graduate school. I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue into academics, but over the course of graduate school I came to appreciate the intellectual freedom that the job allows.

What is your favorite thing about NC State? 

That we have students from a wide array of backgrounds: different countries; rural and urban; conservative and progressive. That all means lots of different interests and perspectives.

What has surprised you most about your students this year? 

That they hang in there. Everyone’s stressed, we’re facing a compressed schedule and lots of uncertainty in the world. And yet students show up and do the work. It gives me a lot of hope.

What is one thing your students would be surprised to know about you? 

I am a first generation college student. I didn’t know you could drop classes when I first went to college, because no one in my family had been. What they often now call “the hidden curriculum” of college added up to a steep learning curve for me. It was only by finding academic staff, faculty, and fellow students to support me that I was able to get through.

If you could time travel, what advice would you give your college-age self? 

To take classes broadly, across disciplines and colleges, and to take language classes every semester.

What is the next thing you hope to accomplish on your wish list?

Professionally, write a long overdue book. Personally, learn to play the mandolin.

The Krispy Kreme Challenge is an NC State tradition; do you eat and run or carry your donuts? 

I’ve done both two times. I regret whichever decision I make.