Thomas M. Henderson, a distinguished alumnus of Florida State University’s College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, strengthened his longstanding support for political science at FSU with an additional $250,000 gift to the Henderson Distinguished Professorship of Political Science, doubling the endowment’s original funding.
Distinguished Alumni
The contribution, made just two years after the professorship was established, elevates it to the level of a Distinguished Professorship and significantly supports the retention and recruitment of exceptional faculty whose expertise will further enhance the quality of teaching and research.
“Tom Henderson’s investment in the Henderson Distinguished Professorship plays a central role in ensuring we can retain our most impactful scholars and teachers,” said Brad Gomez, Ph.D., Department of Political Science Chair. “I have come to greatly value my friendship with Tom and appreciate his deep commitment to public education. His support reflects his vision of making FSU Political Science one of the best programs in the country.”
The support has directly influenced the quality of teaching and research carried out within the political science program at FSU, enabling scholarly collaboration, international recognition, high-impact research and training, conference travel, student training, and professional development.
“Tom Henderson is a dear friend of the college and true Seminole, as his work has benefitted communities throughout the state and nation,” said Tim Chapin, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy. “Tom’s love for FSU shines through in both his smile and his philanthropy, both of which he directs to his beloved Department of Political Science.”
Eric A. Coleman, Ph.D., the inaugural Henderson Professor of Political Science, has exemplified how the Henderson Professorship supports both research excellence and student mentorship. Direct funding has supported Dr. Coleman and his Ph.D. student co-author, David Akinyodin, in completing projects and receiving invitations to present their work on Policy Attitudes towards Electric Vehicles at the Association of Public Policy Analysis and Management Fall Research Conference (2025), the Southern Political Science Association (2026), and the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, gaining international attention.
Henderson Professor of Political Science
“The Henderson Professorship has provided resources that enhance my capacity to excel across research, teaching, and service,” Dr. Coleman said. “Mr. Henderson’s generous support has enabled scholarly collaboration, international recognition, high-impact research and training, conference travel, student training and mentoring, and professional development. I’m truly grateful for his support.”
Through Mr. Henderson’s investment, Dr. Coleman was trained in new statistical software and methods in Fall 2024, enabling him to conduct data-intensive research projects. His work, A Global Analysis of the Socioeconomic Impacts of Protected Areas, is nearing completion and has been presented at the International Studies Association (2024), the Southern Political Science Association (2024), and invitations to present at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville (2025), and at the Conference on Public Policy Research (COPPR) in Bern, Switzerland (2026).
In addition to his research endeavors, Dr. Coleman is finalizing a book contract with Cambridge University Press, along with co-authors from FSU. The textbook, entitled “Democratic Policymaking: An Analytic Introduction, 2nd Edition,” is expected to be widely adopted for introductory public policy courses upon its publication in 2027.
As the Director of FSU’s Global and Public Affairs Living Learning Community (GPALC), Dr. Coleman works with exceptional first-year students from various majors who share a passion for understanding and addressing society’s most pressing challenges. Students attend a weekly colloquium led by Dr. Coleman (ISI 1921) that introduces them to interdisciplinary approaches to global and public affairs through case studies, guest speakers, and discussions of real-world policy challenges, from artificial intelligence to democratic governance.
In addition to his work with GPALC, Dr. Coleman has helped develop a curriculum for the new Philosophy, Politics, and Economics (PPE) program at FSU. His interdisciplinary capstone course on Collective Action reflects FSU’s commitment to innovative, collaborative education.
“Mr. Henderson’s remarkable commitment to creating a Distinguished Professorship reflects a shared vision for advancing policy-relevant research and educating future leaders,” Dr. Coleman said. “This enhanced support will directly enable more ambitious research collaborations, expand opportunities for student learning and mentorship, and enhance FSU’s global reputation for scholarly excellence.”
The professorship honors Mr. Henderson (B.S. Government ’74), as well as his two FSU alumni sons, Scott Henderson (B.S. Political Science ’99) and David Henderson (B.A. Communications & Political Science ’00).
“It is my earnest hope that the others who have greatly benefited from the opportunities provided by their time as students in the Department and College will, as I have, help support future students through the creation of additional endowed professorships,” Mr. Henderson said.
Mr. Henderson’s time at FSU included a stint as News Editor of the Florida State student newspaper, FSU Flambeau. After FSU, he worked for several Florida newspapers and the Florida Legislature before beginning a career in local government.
His professional career has led him to various roles in the public sector focused on municipal waste management in South Florida, Silicon Valley, and the nation’s capital. His 44-year public service career garnered several awards, including the Award of Merit for Outstanding Achievement from the American Society of Civil Engineers in 1993 and the Career Achievement Award from the Municipal Waste Management Association in 1996. In retirement, Mr. Henderson still consults for Arcadis Inc. and devotes much of his time outside of work to supporting the institution that helped him and his sons thrive.
For more information about supporting the FSU Department of Political Science and professorships within the college, reach out to COSSPP’s Associate Director of Development Ryan Sonntag at rsonntag@advance.fsu.edu.