Rodney Higgins facts for kids

Rodney G. Higgins (1911–1964) was an American political scientist. A political scientist studies how governments work and how people make decisions in society. Rodney Higgins was the leader of the political science department at Southern University from 1946 until his death in 1964. He helped build a strong foundation for social sciences at Southern University. A building there, the Rodney G. Higgins Hall for Social Sciences, is named after him.

Rodney Higgins's Journey

Rodney Higgins was born in 1911 in St. Louis, Missouri. He went to Southern Illinois Teachers College and earned his first degree in 1935. After that, he studied at the University of Iowa. There, he earned two more degrees in political science, one in 1936 and a Ph.D. in 1940. A Ph.D. is the highest degree you can get in a field of study.

In 1943, Higgins joined the United States Army. The next year, in 1944, he also joined the American Red Cross, which helps people in need.

Leading at Southern University

Later, Rodney Higgins became a professor at Southern University. He became the head of the political science department in 1946. He stayed in this important role until he passed away in 1964. During his time as leader, he was key to growing political science and other social sciences at the university.

Southern University gave its first degree in political science in 1948. This was just two years after Higgins became the department head. Many students earned their degrees in political science while he was in charge. The university's newspaper, Southern Digest, said that Higgins "established a foundation for not only Political Science at Southern, but also Sociology, History, Economics and Geography". This means he helped these other subjects grow and become strong too.

His Lasting Impact

Rodney Higgins also did research. He wrote for important journals like University of Iowa Studies. He also wrote for the Quarterly Review of Higher Education among Negroes.

His work and dedication are still remembered. The Rodney G. Higgins Hall for Social Sciences at Southern University is named in his honor. There is also an award named after him, the Rodney Higgins Best Faculty Paper Award. This award is given every year by the National Conference of Black Political Scientists.

Higgins was especially known for being a great teacher and advisor. Many important political scientists said he was the person who first inspired them to study politics. Some of his well-known students include Jewel Prestage, Lucius Barker, and Shelby F. Lewis.

Rodney Higgins died in 1964. He was still the head of the political science department at Southern University when he passed away.