Anonymous gift established endowed professorship at Indiana University Bloomington

Indiana University Bloomington’s College of Arts and Sciences has received an anonymous $1 million gift that will establish the Edward G. “Ted” Carmines Professorship in Political Science in honor of the man who has been a professor at Indiana University for more than 50 years, having a profound impact on the university and the country through his numerous books on race and politics.

According to an article on Indiana University Bloomington’s website, Rick Van Kooten, who serves as the Executive Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted as saying of Carmines’ legacy and the professorship, “Ted Carmines stands among the most influential political scientists of his generation, and his work has fundamentally reshaped how we understand American politics. This generous gift honors his extraordinary legacy, and helps to ensure that IU remains a national leader in political science by supporting scholars who will carry forward the rigor, integrity, and intellectual courage that defined his career. We are grateful for our donor’s visionary philanthropy.”

The Edward G. “Ted” Carmines Professorship in Political Science will recognize an outstanding faculty member within the College of Arts and Sciences and will provide them with financial support for research projects, travel, conference attendance, and graduate and undergraduate research assistance.

Carmines, who has been a professor at Indiana University for more than 50 years, has had a storied career, with recognitions and positions including Distinguished Professor, Warner O. Chapman Professor of Political Science, and James H. Rudy Professor of Political Science. He also received the university's Bicentennial Medal in September 2020 in recognition of his achievements. Carmines established the university’s Center on American Politics, which focuses on scholarship and training within the realm of American politics.

His 1989 book Issue Evolution: Race and the Transformation of American Politics with co-author James A. Stimson received both the American Political Science Association’s (APSA) Gladys M. Kammerer Award and the Philip Converse Award for enduring scholarly influence. He also wrote Prejudice, Politics, and the American Dilemma, and Reaching beyond Race, co-authored with Paul Sniderman of Stanford University.

Speaking of Carmines’ legacy at Indiana University, Aurelian Craiutu, a Professor of Political Science and Chair of the department, said, “This generous gift is a profound tribute to the power of ideas and mentorship. Throughout his academic career Ted Carmines has championed rigorous inquiry, while embodying an unwavering commitment to democratic values and principles. His name on this professorship signifies a future rooted in these values.”

For more information about Indiana University Bloomington, visit the school’s website.