Oral History Interview with Dr. William Lasser

Dr. William Lasser joined the faculty and staff at Clemson University in the Political Science Department in 1983, after earning his degrees from Michigan Institute of Technology and Harvard University. During his time at Clemson University, Lasser served as Chair of the Political Science Department and currently serves as the Director of The Honors College. As Dr. Lasser found his place within Clemson University's Political Science Department, he has made an effort to celebrate the students and their significant accomplishments by creating a Political Science Honors program in 1985. His ongoing work with high achieving Political Science students brought numerous accolades and awards from Clemson and other institutions.

In 2000, received the Alumni Distinguished Professor award given by the Clemson Alumni Association for his dedication to students, focusing on political history and theory, rather than personal political debate in his introductory Political Science courses. In the same year he was chosen to be the interim head of the National Scholars Program. He was featured in The Tiger Newspaper in 2013 as a "Professor Spotlight" for his work in the Honors College as well as his help in creating the Joseph Dixon Global Policy Scholars program in 2010.

Photos of William Lasser from Clemson News

Article showing Lasser's award of Alumni Distinguished Professor

Political science career path and childhood influences.

William Lasser discusses his childhood in Buffalo, NY, education at MIT and Harvard, and political upbringing influenced by his mother's dislike of Richard Nixon.
Speaker's interest in politics began at age 11, influenced by watching political conventions on TV.

Teaching, courses, and student experiences at Clemson University.

Dr. William Lasser reflects on their decision to join Clemson University in 1983, sharing insights on the job market and campus culture at the time.
Dr. William Lasser reflects on their teaching experience, highlighting constitutional law as their favorite course to teach.
Dr. William Lasser shares personal anecdote about opening student's eyes to political philosophy through one-on-one reading course as well as their ability to open their eyes to new course material.

Teaching responsibilities and rights in a political theory course.

Dr. William Lasser uses a class on rights to teach students about responsibility.
Students shift from discussing rights to discussing responsibility in response to a scandal in a personal anecdote shared by Dr. William Lasser.
Dr. William Lasser reflects on 30-year career at Clemson University, highlighting departmental changes in their offered courses and pathways.
Dr. William Lasser discusses how the political science department has grown and become stronger, with a focus on balance between teaching and research.
Dr. William Lasser reflects on their experience in various departments, including chemistry and political science, and how it has influenced their approach to helping the political science department.

Clemson University's political science department's future growth and interdisciplinary connections.

Dr. William Lasser reflects on their career emphasizing support for top students at Clemson, including launching honors programs and directing the National Scholars Program.
Dr. William Lasser suggests reabsorbing public administration and policy studies PhD programs to grow interdisciplinary connections.
Dr. William Lasser highlights the interdisciplinary nature of political science and its policy implications, and hopes that Clemson could bridge the gap between these different types of majors and departments.