Not many students can call their instructor governor.
But the 115 students taking Gov. Bill Richardson's class on New Mexico do.
On their first meeting, Richardson asked his students to address him the same way they address other instructors.
Student Heather Pollock said she doesn't think of him as an ordinary instructor.
"We're going to call him 'governor,'" Pollock said, adding that Richardson is approachable and puts most of the students at ease.
Daniel Ortega said the course's subject matter, not its instructor, drew him to the class.
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"I really enjoy interactive projects and learning about state politics," he said. "I'm not starstruck or anything."
The honors seminar class is held every Friday in Dane Smith Hall. Friday was the second meeting.
"It's really much more exciting," Pollock said. "He comes in and you're like, 'The governor of the state just walked in.'"
She said Richardson's class is far different from an average college course on government.
Richardson uses a hands-on teaching approach, she said. For their first assignment, students created their own policy initiatives.
Pollock, who plans to attend law school, said experience gained from the course will help students in all aspects of life.
"It's going to help me become a better speaker and writer, and it'll help us to know more about what's going on legislatively," she said.
Required readings include The New York Times and the Albuquerque Journal. Students are also encouraged to listen to talk-radio shows hosted by Larry Ahrens and Jim Villanucci.
Regular guests, including former New Mexico governors, are scheduled to speak throughout the semester.
Students begin each Friday's class by lining up outside the door and presenting the honors program staff with a picture ID. They have their backpacks searched before entering the classroom.
Graduate student Georgette Reeves-Cervini said the course is different in that respect.
"But it's a typical class in that we have assigned readings and homework," she said.
Ortega said he'd recommend the seminar to others with or without Richardson as the course instructor. He said it's important to understand how your state operates.
Reeves-Cervini said the weekly seminar is the perfect forum for the personable governor.
"He's a very charming man, and he really shines in this type of environment," she said.
Pollock agreed.
"He has a unique sense of humor," she said. "I think he's funny. He's cute."
Reeves-Cervini said she's impressed with the governor's dedication to his role as a UNM instructor.
"I was surprised to hear that he plans on being here for every class, even during the legislative session," she said. "He doesn't plan on having many substitutes fill in for him."
As for the governor, Richardson said he's even getting some valuable advice from UNM students.
"I'm really enjoying it," he said.
