The College of Social Sciences and Public Policy announced the creation of an endowed professorship in the Department of Political Science.
The professorship was made possible through the generous support of Thomas Henderson, an alumnus of Florida State University’s Political Science program (B.S. ’74).
The Henderson Professorship of Political Science is the first of its kind within FSU’s Department of Political Science and is helping the department to meet its goal of creating three endowed professorships by 2025.
The endowment will support the scholarship of the Henderson Professor, including summer salary, research travel, research expenses, graduate assistants, and other direct costs in support of the professorship.
“There have been a lot of successful people who have come through the Political Science Department,” Henderson said. “To think support of this magnitude doesn’t currently exist for them certainly influenced this gift.”
The professorship honors Mr. Henderson, as well as his sons, Scott Henderson (B.S. Political Science ‘99) and David Henderson (B.A. Communications & Political Science ’00).
“My sons and I have all had successful careers in no small part due to the public education we were able to get, including our time at Florida State,” Henderson said. “We believe in paying it forward, helping future students by supporting exceptional scholarship and recognizing and keeping the most talented professors at FSU.”
During his time at FSU, Mr. Henderson was the News Editor of the Flambeau, the university’s student newspaper, and went on to take a job with several Florida newspapers and United Press International before moving into public service, becoming a highly regarded public works and solid waste management administrator in South Florida, California, and Washington, D.C.
“FSU has seen a rise in the national rankings of public research universities,” Henderson said. “If it is to continue improving, those of us who have benefited need to do more to provide adequate resources and support. I hope more people recognize this need and step up.”
Eric A. Coleman, Ph.D., was recently named the inaugural Henderson Professor of Political Science.
“Professor Coleman is an outstanding departmental, college, and university citizen who makes valuable contributions to the collective good,” said Political Science Department Chair and Associate Professor Brad Gomez, Ph.D.
Dr. Coleman is an expert in collective action problems, environmental policy, and political development. He has published 28 articles to date in some of the most visible disciplinary and interdisciplinary journals, including the American Journal of Political Science, World Development, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, and Nature.
His research has earned over $3.5 million in funding from federal agencies, including National Science Foundation, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Though his accomplishments in research are extensive, they have never overshadowed his passion for teaching. Dr. Coleman is one of COSSPP’s most decorated professors.
He was the winner of the FSU’s 2013 University Teaching Award, which recognizes faculty for excellence in undergraduate and graduate teaching. He was also nominated for several other awards, including the University’s Graduate Faculty Mentor Award in 2017, Undergraduate Advising Award in 2020, and Distinguished Undergraduate Teaching Award in 2020.
As the Director of FSU’s Global and Public Affairs Living Learning Community (GPALC), Dr. Coleman has been deeply invested in student success. The program, offered through University Housing, gives first-year students the unique opportunity to live and learn alongside peers with similar interests. Students attend a weekly colloquium led by Dr. Coleman, where they learn about and discuss current events, international affairs, and public policy.
Through this gift, Dr. Coleman will be able to continue his great work both in and out of the classroom.
“I thank Mr. Henderson for advocating for their successful futures and talented scholars within the field,” said Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy Tim Chapin, Ph.D. “We remain appreciative to all of those who carry on their FSU legacy by ensuring generations of students can encounter similar experiences from when they were on campus.”
Learn more about supporting the FSU Department of Political Science.