Political Science Faculty Member Named to Endowed Chair

L. Sue Hulett, professor of political science, has been named the Richard P. and Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Professor at Knox College. The endowed chair was established in 2007 by a $1 million gift from Richard '56 and Sophia Henke.

Hulett teaches political science and international relations, with special focus on U.S. foreign policy, international law and organizations, and religion and politics. In 1994 she won the Philip Green Wright-Lombard College Prize for Distinguished Teaching at Knox College. She also teaches in the religious studies program.

"Professor Hulett is a very effective teacher who engages students and treats them and the subject matter in an even-handed manner," said Knox College President Roger Taylor. "Her teaching and intellectual contributions add significantly to a diversity of opinion on contemporary political issues among the faculty."

Hulett is the author of two books on the Cold War: Decade of Detente (1982), and From Cold Wars to Star Wars (1988); and editor of Christianity and Modern Politics. Her recent publications include essays on international relations theory and U.S. foreign policy in the International Encyclopedia of Political Science, articles on religion in higher education for Religion and Education and the Encyclopedia of Religion and Civil Liberties, and on religion in politics for the Encyclopedia of American Civil Liberties.

The Richard P. and Sophia D. Henke Distinguished Chair is awarded to a member of the Knox faculty who has demonstrated sustained excellence in the teaching of undergraduate students and whose commitment to Knox is long term. The Henke Distinguished Chair is endowed by a gift from the Henkes, who live in Rolling Hills, California. A 1956 Knox graduate, Dr. Henke is a retired physician and Life Trustee of the College.

Selection to the chair was made by the President, based on the recommendation of the Faculty Personnel Committee and the concurrence of the Dean of the College. The Knox Board of Trustees endorsed the selection at its meeting on June 5.

"Professor Hulett's selection to this endowed chair represents the high esteem in which she is held by her Knox colleagues," Taylor said.

Hulett received A.B., A.M, and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Southern California and has taught at Knox since 1980.

Founded in 1837, Knox is a national liberal arts college in Galesburg, Illinois, with students from 47 states and 48 countries. Knox's 'Old Main' is a National Historic Landmark and the only building remaining from the 1858 Lincoln-Douglas debates.