Long-time educator Tom Hawk also served his community as a public servant and lawmaker in both the Kansas State House of Representatives and the Kansas State Senate. Photo credit: Kansas State Senate
Many excellent educators have also served their community as a public servant and lawmaker. This is true of Tom Hawk, a former teacher who served in both the Kansas State House of Representatives and the Kansas State Senate.
Tom was born on Sept, 18, 1946, in Colby, Kansas. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Math Education in 1968, his Master’s degree in Counseling in 1970, and his PhD in Educational Administration in 1983, all from Kansas State University.
With this impressive list of degrees, Tom invested 33 years in a career as an educator. From 1968 to 1975 he taught mathematics in Manhattan-Ogden Pubic Schools. He also worked as a school counselor during those years. In addition, he coached wrestling, and he even won an award for Outstanding Coaching in 1970. From 1976 to 2000 Tom served the school district as an administrator and curriculum director, and from 2000 to 2001 he performed the responsibilities of the District Superintendent.
After his retirement from the field of education, Tom decided to launch a career in politics. He was elected on the Democratic ticket to the Kansas State House of Representatives representing District 67. He served three terms in that body, from 2004 to 2011. In 2012 he was elected to the Kansas State Senate representing District 22, where he served two terms until his retirement fro politics in 2023. There he served on the Committees for Ways and Means; Educational Planning; Corrections and Juvenile Justice; and Agriculture. He also has experience serving on the Governor’s Education Policy Task Force; the City-County Land Use Task Force; and the Governor’s Best Team for Agriculture and Natural Resources. Throughout his years of service, Tom said supporting public and higher education has been one of his most important missions.
Tom currently lives in Manhattan, Kansas. There he is the owner of Tom Hawk Incorporated Professional Photography. He is 77 years old.
