In Memoriam
Alex Willingham, Ph.D.
The Dr. Mack Henry Jones Department of Political Science at Clark Atlanta University
Statement on the Loss of Revered Political Scientist, Dr. Alex W. Willingham
Clark Atlanta University and the Dr. Mack Henry Jones Department of Political Science join the family and friends of Dr. Alex W. Willingham in saying farewell to an esteemed colleague and legendary political scientist at Atlanta University. Before joining AU in 1973, Dr. Willingham attended Southern University, the University of Iowa, and the University of North Carolina.
For over a decade, Professor Willingham was a key member of the AU Department of Political Science graduate program’s inaugural faculty under the leadership of Dr. Mack Henry Jones. We will be forever indebted to him for his role in shaping and implementing the department’s unique vision, mission, and pedagogy that continues to guide our work. As a devoted teacher, Dr. Willingham mentored multiple generations of AU graduates, and guided his mentees to prominent careers in the discipline of political science and beyond. His students were particularly proud progenies of his deep knowledge, analytical skills, and critical approach. Dr. Willingham will be remembered for a rare ability to balance the highest standard of rigor with an openness to genuine friendships. Memories of both qualities will be cherished for years to come.
Dr. Willingham was a leading political thinker whose contributions to the field rank with the best scholars in the discipline. His vast corpus of writing spans several decades and signaled his many statements on the topics of political theory, race and racism, Black political thought, and southern politics. Among his important works include the well-received book, Communities in economic crisis: Appalachia and the South and his substantive essays such as “Sowell's Knowledge and Decisions: Can Black Conservatism Establish Its Intellectual Credibility?” and “The White Custodians of the Black Experience: A Reply to Rudwick and Meier,” co-authored with Dr. Jones.
CAU and the faculty, staff, students, and alumni of the Dr. Mack Henry Jones Department of Political Science extend our deepest condolences to the family. To Professor Willingham, we say rest now and well done.