Dr. Lewis Randolph Taught Nearly 20 Years in Political Science

By George Mauzy
From Compass

Dr. Lewis A. Randolph, 61, former Ohio University Associate Professor of Political Science in the College of Arts & Sciences, died on Nov. 21 after a lengthy illness.

Randolph, a native of Cincinnati, was born to William Mustin and Harriett Randolph on Feb. 1, 1952. He served as a professor at Ohio University for nearly 20 years, and his research focused primarily on urban and black politics. He retired from teaching in September 2009.

Dr. Lewis Randolph

Randolph was the author of numerous books, articles and essays, including the book Rights for a Season: The Politics of Race, Class, and Gender in Richmond, Virginia. The book won the 2004 American Political Science Association award for Best Book on Race, Ethnicity and Politics. He also co-edited the book Dimensions of Black Conservatism in the U.S.: Made in America in 2002.

One of Randolph’s former colleagues reflected on the lasting impact of his teachings.

“Lewis was one of our leading scholars of African American politics and the author of many works on urban politics, black conservatism, and the intersections of race, class and gender,” said Dr. John Gilliom, Associate Dean of the College of Arts & Sciences and Professor and former Chair of Political Science. “Thousands of Ohio University students benefitted from his graduate and undergraduate teaching, and our campus was made far richer by the presence of his voracious and wide-ranging intellect.”

Randolph earned his bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees from Central State University, University of Illinois and Ohio State University, respectively.

His wife, Adah Ward Randolph, is a Professor of Educational Studies at Ohio University. The couple has three sons, Andrew Clifton and Desmond and Devin Randolph. Randolph was preceded in death by his parents, a sister and two brothers.

The family will host a memorial service at 6 p.m. Friday, Dec. 13, at St. Paul A.M.E. Church, which is located at 639 E. Long St. in Columbus, Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Lewis A. Randolph Research Institute c/o Adah Ward Randolph. For more information about the contribution process, contact Randolph atadahlouise@msn.com.