Retired political science prof. Harold Jacobson, known by fellow faculty members and friends as Jake, died Monday of a blood clot following surgery at St. Josephs Mercy Hospital in Ann Arbor.
- Paul Wong
- Harold Jacobson, known by friends as Jake, died Monday.<br><br>Photo courtesy of University of Michigan Department of Political Science website
Jacobson, 72, had a long history with the University before his departure last year. He has been teaching at the University for more than 40 years, since 1957. In 1990, he served as the Interim Associate Vice President for International Affairs at the University. From 1992-1995, he served as Acting director of the Institute for Social Research.
He later served as both President of the International Studies Association and Vice President of the International Political Science Association.
Before coming to the University, he had teaching and research positions at Yale University, where he earned his M.A. and Ph.D., and the University
of Houston.
Although Jacobson spent much of his time researching at the University, he was also very active in undergraduate education.
“He taught the introductory course for years and was a generally loved teacher and had been very active in undergraduate teaching for all of his professional career, said William Jefferson, director of the center for political science.
His research in international politics earned him fame in the collegiate circle. In 1995, he received the American Association for the Advancement of Science Award for International Scientific Cooperation. He has also received the University of Michigan Press Award, the U-M Distinguished Faculty Achievement Award, the Amoco Good Teaching Award, and the Excellence in Education Award.
“Jake was an accomplished and skilled academic administrator, a beloved teacher at all levels, and a scholar who did as much as anyone to re-establish linkages between the study of international law and organization and of world politics,” said Zimmerman in a written statement.
Visitation hours will take place on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Mueligs Funeral Home. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday Aug. 18, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.