“I do not mentor young scholars as much as I follow and learn from them....This has made my life as a researcher much richer, perhaps enabling me to contribute more to the take-off of the social sciences that we are about to witness.”

John Freeman teaches in a world of programs, courses, and funding streams he created from scratch. The Advanced Political Methodologies Program he developed enables students to participate in the world’s most advanced social science research. He also engineered a methodology subfield that makes the University competitive with Ivy League Ph.D. programs.

Internationally recognized for his achievements, Freeman holds many prestigious board positions and writes, speaks, and develops courses for institutions all over the world. But it is Minnesota students who are the greatest beneficiaries. Freeman treats them as equals and expects their work to compare to that of his colleagues. Through what is widely known as “Freeman Feedback,” he asks students to revise and perfect their writing until it reaches a professional level. More than 70 percent of his peer-reviewed pieces are coauthored by his students, something not common in the political science field.

Students overwhelmingly appreciate Freeman’s informal, good-humored classroom presence and his ability to convey difficult concepts clearly. “I fondly remember many ‘a ha!’ moments,” says one. “He opened a new world of ideas to me, made me want to know more, to learn more,” says another.

Colleagues give equal kudos. “He does his very best to ensure that his students are in good position to succeed after grad school.” “At conferences I’m frequently amazed at the number of people who are spilling with stories of how John has helped them in their careers.”

Visit the John Freeman faculty Web page here.