UF political scientist receives second Fulbright Award

February 14, 2006

GAINESVILLE, Fla. — A University of Florida political science professor has received a Fulbright Senior Scholar award for the 2006-2007 academic year.

Richard Scher previously received the honor for the 2002-2003 academic year, and he plans to use his new award in conjunction with his current sabbatical from UF.

“The senior specialist program is for scholars who want to visit or teach at a foreign country but for a limited time,” said Scher, who plans to be in Hungary in the fall. “Generally, once one is selected as a senior scholar, one solicits invitations from a university in the host country.”

The senior award is for a maximum of six weeks per semester, and it is typical for the senior scholar to reside at a host institution and give three or four lectures at universities in the country, he said.

“Professor Scher’s Fulbright Award is fitting recognition for his growing engagement with international affairs,” said Philip J. Williams, chairman of the UF political science department.

Scher’s research interests include voting rights, legislative districting political campaigns in America, state politics, Southern politics, political culture and regionalism, Florida politics and American federalism. He has been at UF since 1972.

“Scher’s time in Hungary will bring international visibility to the department and add to UF’s presence around the globe,” Williams said.