Richard Fonte
Teaching Experience
AustinCommunity College-Adjunct Faculty— U.S Government-Introductory Course-Govt 2305
I teach one class in American Government per semester. My first semester taught at ACC was in 1997. My course uses a “citizenship education approach” focused on increasing the understanding of American political principles and their practical implication within a comparative international context. My intention has been to teach a class that enhances the student’s ability to be a thoughtful participant in the American political process. I have chosen this approach, since this course fulfills the state mandated general education requirement in American Government for all students.
I utilize Blackboard and sometimes teach some classes in a computer lab to allow class exercises on the internet. All lectures utilize power-point with frequent use of video and internet web-site information. The format reflects a hybrid approach.
South Suburban College, Illinois—Adjunct Faculty-U.S Government-Introductory Course
I taught the American Government Introductory Course as adjunct while serving as President of College. It was my intention to set example that administrators should maintain academic teaching involvement.
University of Texas-Seminar Presenter-1787 Constitutional Convention
I have presented Seminar on 1787 Founders and 1787 Founding Ideas-Presented 6 session seminar on 1787 Constitutional convention which explored european and american intellectual roots that influenced delegates, American Historical context of convention, Major players, debates and compromises at Convention, Ratification process and the First Congress and the Bill of Rights
University of Texas-Seminar-Liberalism, Conservatism & Populism
I I have presents a 6 session seminar series on the development of the current political philosophies of Liberalism, Conservatism and Populist from the early 20th century to current time. Topics covered included the Progressive movement, New Deal Liberalism, the Great Society, Taft Conservatism, the Modern Conservative movement and changes in ideology post-cold war and the rise of social issues such as Abortion. Populism of both the Left and Right was also discussed.
University of Texas-Seminar Presenter-U.S, Electoral College System
I have presented a 3 session seminar on the Electoral college. The first seminar explored rhe discussion of presidential selection process at the constitutional convention and the decision to adopt a electoral college. The second session focused on how the electoral college has operated throughout U.S. History. The final session explored proposals to change the selection process for the U.S. President.
University of Texas-Seminar Presenter-Political Party Realignment and Critical Turning point elections
I have presented a 6 session seminar series on the history of political party realignment in the U.S. The seminar focused on key turning point elections (1800, 1828, 1860, 1898 & 1932) and how certain elections have led to a dominant political trend for one party over another. The last session focused on whether there has been a critical realigning election since 1932.
University of Texas-Seminar Presenter-Immigration Policy History in the United States
I have presented a 6 session seminar series on the history of Immigration policy to the United States. The Seminar focused on the major ethnic groups that have migrated to the U.S. at particular time-periods starting in the 17th Century up to current times. The seminar reviewed the polcies that impacted immigraton at various times. The last session focused on recent attempts to change immigraton policy.
University of Texas—Guest Lecturer-Higher Education Administration and Community College Programs As a guest lecturer my focus was on state governance and regulation and national patterns to the funding by formula of community colleges. I have also lectured on the role of the president in external affairs including business community relationships and interaction with legislative bodies, higher education governing agencies and state executive agencies. (During period of 1997-2003, while serving of President of Austin Community College)
Professional Publications
Publications--Public Policy issues
Fonte, R (2013) "Recasting History: A study of U.S. History Courses at the University of Texas and Texas A &M University," National Association of Scholars. Principal Researcher.
Fonte, R (2011) "The Community College Alternative to the Higher Education Bubble", Academic Questions, December 2011, Volume 24, #4
Fonte, R (2009) “Higher Education in Service to Democracy: Meeting the Truman Commission’s Expectations, AACC Journal. April/May, 44-46
Fonte, R (2008) Essay/book review of: “Educating Citizens: Preparing America’s Undergraduates for Lives of Moral and Civic Responsibility, Academic Questions, Fall 2008, Volume 21, # 4.
Fonte, R (2006) White Paper of Closing the Gap in Central Texas for Higher Education Enrollment” AARO (Austin Area Research Organization)
Fonte, R. (2002). “A Modest Welfare Reform Proposal: Compromise.” Community College Week. October 14.
Fonte, R. (2002). “Single Pathway for ‘Tech Prep’ and ‘College Prep’ Essential.” Community College Times. September 17.
Fonté, R. (1995). “Adjusting to the Contract with America” AACC Journal. p. 57.
Fonté, R. (1993). Toward a Reasonable Measurement of Transfer Effectiveness: The Transfer Rate Debate. Journal of Applied Research in the Community College. 1(1), 5-10.
Fonté, R. (1991). Financial Governance Patterns among Two-year Colleges. Journal of Education Finance. 16(3), 299-314.
Published: January 28, 2026