Susan A. MacManus, Ph.D. – two-time COSSPP Alum (B.A. Political Science ‘68 and Ph.D. Political Science ‘75) – has been honored by numerous publications for her work as a prominent political scientist.
MacManus has served at numerous institutions and universities before retiring from the University of South Florida in 2018 as a Distinguished University Professor. She currently serves as the political analyst for Tampa’s WFTS-TV (ABC Action News) where she breaks down the world of Florida politics for viewers.
When asked what the most impactful experiences at Florida State were, she said, “The quality of the political science faculty and the high level of expectations they had for their students. Dr. Daisy Parker Flory, Dr. Thomas R. Dye, and Dr. William Rogers and their teaching styles, publications, interactions with students, and respect within their areas of expertise were tremendously impactful on my career.”
She has earned the title of “Florida’s most quoted political scientist” and has been featured in the Who’s Who in America over a dozen times.
Her work has primarily focused on elections, women and minorities, and redistricting in politics, with a special interest in Florida’s politics, and changing demographics. Her book Florida’s Minority Trailblazers: The Men and Women Who Changed the Face of Florida Government was based on MacManus’s personal interviews with each and descriptions of the challenging times in which they made history.
During her time at Florida State, she was involved in undergraduate research (honors program), Marching Chiefs, and Gamma Sigma Sigma. MacManus, a strong proponent of public service, has served on several governors’ Council of Economic Advisers, as chair of the Florida Election Commission, and on many task forces addressing key issues in the State.
Her advice to current students is: “Take advantage of your time at FSU to interact with fellow students from different backgrounds and to experience subject matter in which you initially had little interest. Surprise yourself!”