Robert Donaldson (political scientist)

Robert H. Donaldson
BornRobert Herschel Donaldson
(1943-06-14) June 14, 1943 (age 81)
USA
OccupationProfessor, political scientist
NationalityAmerican
Notable worksThe Foreign Policy of Russia: Changing Systems, Enduring Interests
SpouseSally A. Donaldson
Website
www.personal.utulsa.edu/~robert-donaldson/

Robert Herschel Donaldson (born June 14, 1943) is an American political scientist.

Donaldson attended Harvard University. He completed his Bachelor of Arts magna cum laude in 1964, his Master of Arts in 1966, and his Ph.D. in 1969. His doctoral dissertation analyzed the Soviet Union's economic policies. He was admitted to the Phi Beta Kappa Society as an undergraduate and has remained active in the organization as a professor.[1][2]

Donaldson began his teaching career at Vanderbilt University, where he rose from assistant professor to full professor and associate dean of the College of Arts and Science. In 1981, he became the provost of Lehman College of the City University of New York. In 1984, he became president of Fairleigh Dickinson University and served until 1990, when he became president of the University of Tulsa. He worked to raise the university's profile through international conferences in Tulsa and exchange programs, particularly with institutions in Russia. His tenure as president was "marked by change and criticism," including a unanimous vote of no confidence by the student government.[3] "Citing 'institutional stresses' and conflicting expectations among school constituencies," he resigned as president in 1996.[4]

After stepping down as president, Donaldson remained at the University of Tulsa as a professor of political science until his retirement in 2013.[5]

  1. ^ "Khrushchev's son to speak at TU forum". The Tulsa World. October 16, 2005. Retrieved August 11, 2011.
  2. ^ "Resident Members". Archived from the original on 2011-10-02. Retrieved 2011-08-11.
  3. ^ "University of Tulsa President Plans to Step Down Next Year". The Journal Record. June 8, 1995. Retrieved August 10, 2011.[dead link]
  4. ^ "University of Tulsa President to Resign". The Oklahoman. June 8, 1995. Retrieved August 9, 2011.
  5. ^ "Robert H. Donaldson: Trustees Professor of Political Science Emeritus, University of Tulsa". Tulsa Committee on Foreign Relations. Retrieved March 16, 2023.