Oral History Interview with Dr. Martin Slann
Dr. Martin Slann was a professor at Clemson University from 1968-2002. He became Chair of the Political Science Department in 1995. Among other accolades, Dr. Slann acted as Editor of The Journal of Political Science for decades during his time at Clemson University.
Dr. Slann grew up in Chicago, Illinois and traveled to the University of Miami for his undergraduate studies earning a bachelor's degree. He went on to complete a Master's degree in Connecticut, finishing his education with a PhD at the University of Georgia, Athens. His career as a Professor at Clemson spanned more than 30 years. Slann eventually left Clemson for Pennsylvania State University for an academic administrative position before his retirement to Florida.
Dr. Slann held his position at Clemson University during its official transition from a Department of Social Sciences to the Political Science Department as a stand alone unit in 1974. This transition occured by action of the Board of trustees of Clemson in 1973 and led to separate History, Political Science, Sociology, Philosophy, Religion and Psychology departments.
- Dr. Martin Slann discusses his childhood interests, academic career, and first introductions to writing and politics.
- Dr. Martin Slann recounts his experiences in high school and college, including campaigning in the 1960 presidential election.
- Dr. Martin Slann enjoyed Clemson's small size and personal connections, with a focus on Middle East research.
- Dr. Martin Slann taught courses in comparative politics, international relations, and political philosophy, including a popular course on terrorism.
- The Political Science Department at Clemson University was formed in 1972 after splitting from the Social Sciences Department, with Dr. Slann serving as the first department chair.
- Dr. Martin Slann became editor of the Journal of Political Science by leading a group of political scientists in South Carolina to create a professional-looking journal.
- Dr. Martin Slann discusses his experience as Chair of the Political Science Department at Clemson University and how it prepared him for his role as Director of Academic Affairs at Penn State.
- Dr. Slann emphasizes the importance of recruiting great faculty and budgeting in academic administration, principles he carried over from his time at Clemson to Penn State.
- Dr. Martin Slann describes Clemson University's growth in quantity and quality of students during his time as chair, including the addition of a pre-law major and the sending of outstanding students to top law schools.
- Dr. Slann highlights the university's transformation from Clemson Agricultural College to a full-fledged university, with a saying that Clemson is now the University of South Carolina.
- Dr. Martin Slann praises Clemson University's political science department for attracting top faculty and adapting to changes in the discipline.
