SPOTLIGHTS Hero Joins ASU

Rodney Hero (2015–2016 APSA president) will be joining Arizona State University (ASU) as the Raul Yzaguirre Chair in the School of Politics and Global Studies.

“We are thrilled professor Hero is joining the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and the School of Politics and Global Studies,” said Patrick Kenney, dean of the college. “ASU is gaining an invaluable leader in the field of racial and ethnic diversity in American politics.”

Hero’s research and teaching focuses on American democracy and politics, especially as viewed through the analytical lenses of Latino/a and racial/ethnic politics as well as state politics. In the last couple years, Hero’s research has focused on the role of interest groups and advocacy groups in Latino/a politics—an understudied area of research resonating with the work pioneered by Raul Yzaguirre.

Hero will establish a new research center focusing on the study of Latino/a politics. As director, he plans to use the center as a vehicle to create an ongoing discussion with students, faculty, and the community at large through a speaker series, large-scale conferences, and collaborative research.

“I want to develop deeper and stronger connections to and networks with other scholars around the country,” Hero said. “I would anticipate these conferences be open to undergraduate and graduate students, the larger ASU community, and others in the area who might be interested.”

Hero’s research, teaching expertise, and commitment to shaping the national conversation about politics makes him one of the top political scientists in the world, according to Mark Searle, executive vice president and provost of the university. ■

Johnson Retires from Long Career

Tobe Johnson, professor and chair of the political science department, Morehouse College, is retiring. After being at Morehouse for 59 years, he is the longest-serving faculty member in the college’s 150-year history.

Johnson graduated from Morehouse in 1954 and earned his PhD from Columbia University in 1963. His research has applied multiple theories to understanding the performance of African American mayors within environmental constraints. Johnson said, “The research is important because much of the literature dealing with this problem argues that the constraints placed on the mayor by the environment will prevent him or her from significantly improving the well-being of black citizens in the city. My research in effect tests this hypothesis and seeks to provide a systematic empirical appraisal of it. I want to know what the limits of the flexibility of mayoral power are to achieve significant change.”

One of Johnson’s most famous students was the first black mayor of Atlanta, the late Maynard Jackson. A hard earned letter of recommendation from “Dr. Johnson” meant that you were a proven and worthy student and allowed access to the top graduate and law schools across the nation. When there was a need within the college’s political science department after staff departures, Johnson came out of semi-retirement to assist. His leadership continued the important work of producing lawyers, diplomats, and government officials who came through the department.

Hundreds of Morehouse men remember Johnson as graduation marshal, despite his age, leading graduating classes to the stage, completing their Morehouse experience. With Johnson’s retirement, it is an end of an era at Morehouse College. ■

Longworth Named Provost

Eastern Michigan University has named Rhonda Longworth its new provost and executive vice president of academic and student affairs. Longworth, a professor of political science, had served in that post as interim provost since January 2016, according to the university, and she was selected after a national search. Longworth has worked at EMU since 1994, when she began as an assistant professor of political science.

“Dr. Longworth has distinguished herself in every phase of her career,” EMU President James Smith said in a release. “Her extensive experience and deep understanding of Eastern’s mission through her years of service in multiple leadership roles represent a defining characteristic.”

The university said in a news release that Longworth will lead the Division of Academic and Student Affairs and its more than 200 degree programs in five colleges: Arts and Sciences; Health and Human Services; Business, Education and Technology; the honors college; and graduate school.

“Eastern’s mission as a public institution providing excellence, access and opportunity resonates deeply with me,” Longworth said in the release. “Our committed faculty, staff and leadership team serve and inspire students day in, day out with their dedication and commitment.”

She’ll also oversee academic advising, career services, retention, and community college relations and will guide student affairs operations including the offices of campus life, student well-being, residence life, and diversity and community involvement, the news release said.

Longworth earned her PhD in political science from the University of Iowa in 1996. Her research includes determinants of successful executive leadership with a focus on electoral and legislative arenas and the politics of gender. ■

Lavariega Monforti Appointed Dean

Jessica Lavariega Monforti, an expert in the political behavior of women, immigrants, and communities of color, is the new dean of California Lutheran University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

“Dr. Lavariega Monforti is an award-winning teacher and accomplished scholar, and she has a proven track record as a strong, creative, and collaborative leader,” said provost Leanne Neilson.

A first-generation college student, Lavariega Monforti earned a BA in political science from Florida State University and a MA and PhD in political science from Ohio State University. She received Ohio State’s Hispanic Student Leadership Award in 2000 and was a Ford Foundation Postdoctoral Fellow.

Her extensive research explores notions of power, or lack thereof, among women, immigrants, and racial and ethnic minorities. She has studied the forces that shape political opinions and the impact of gender, race, and ethnicity on public policy. She has received grants from the National Science Foundation and the American Political Science Association, her most recent coauthored book is Living the Dream: New Immigration Policies and the Lives of Undocumented Latino Youth.

Lavariega Monforti has served at Pace University in New York City as department chair since 2015. She previously served as the associate dean of the College of Social and Behavioral Sciences and director of the Center for Survey Research at the former University of Texas–Pan American. She started a Latina/o/x student success program and reinvented the annual research conference for the university system. She has also taught at Texas Christian University and Mercer University in Georgia. She has received multiple awards as a researcher, teacher, and mentor. ■

Ramakrishnan Honored with Award

The Asian Law Alliance (ALA) honored Karthick Ramakrishnan associate dean of the School of Public Policy, and professor of political science and public policy, University of California, Riverside, with its Community Impact award at its 40th Anniversary gala in San Jose.

Ramakrishnan was recognized for his research on immigration policy and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) civic engagement; his creation of AAPI Data, which presents demographic data and policy-relevant research in user-friendly formats; his work to increase the visibility of the AAPI community through the National Asian American Survey; and his service to the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs, which he now chairs.

Ramakrishnan said he was honored to receive the award from an organization that advocates for underserved Americans and provides important legal and other services.

“The image of Silicon Valley is of a place of prosperity, but that image conceals the poverty and the needs of disadvantaged populations,” he said. “That is true of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as well, and it is important that we pay attention to these populations in need.”

Ramakrishnan also pointed to the need for greater outreach and participation among AAPIs, including among higher-income populations. “There are a lot of opportunities for Asian Americans in California to be more visible. I hope to use the platform of the state commission to get more people involved,” he added. ■

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