Political science at the University of Oklahoma, 1975-2001

Abstract

When I joined the Department of Political Science at the University of Oklahoma in January of 1975 on a one-semester visiting appointment, I was the only non-tenured member of the faculty. A substantial majority of faculty members were tenured full professors. I served on a visiting appointment for a year and a half before obtaining a tenure-track appointment. During that time, the University revised its promotion and tenure requirements to extend the probationary period from four to six years, and the Department substantially enhanced its research expectations.