James Phinney Baxter III Professor of Political Science, Emerita
As a scholar of policymaking and politics, you have taught generations of students to analyze how public resources are distributed—and why. You helped them pursue the answers across disciplines, co-teaching with colleagues from each of our three academic divisions—an unusual achievement. And you particularly emphasized questions about the representation of children, who have so little political leverage but so much at stake.
You have spoken for the less powerful here on campus, too. Using your scholarly understanding of bureaucracy and resource allocation, you served as an influential department chair and member or chair of several key committees, working to make sure everyone was heard and resources were fairly distributed. This was done with a minimum of drama, a dose of determination, a healthy sense of humor and a keen eye for irony. As one colleague put it, “When she runs into a challenge, she just says, ‘Uh-huh’ … and then pushes ahead.”
Whether your students went on to careers in business, politics or academics, they consistently credit you with teaching them to be effective participants in civic life. To quote one, “In her classes, I developed a democratic understanding that helped me navigate advocacy across a range of spaces—from the small, rural communities where I grew up to the halls of Congress.”
I hereby declare you the James Phinney Baxter III Professor of Political Science, Emerita, entitled to all the rights, honors and privileges appertaining thereto.
June 8, 2025