Professor cuts UH into will

After teaching for more than 40 years at UH, a political science professor has promised, through his will and a contract with the University, to financially endow a chair in the Political Science Department, as well as other financial support.

“The two go hand-in-glove. If the university isn’t clear what to do with the money that I have left in the will then they might spend it on new furniture in the Cullen building or something,” said Robert Carp. “So, it needs to be clear between me and the University exactly what is to be done with the inheritance”.

Carp said he made the decision because he has a love for the University and has believed in the University and the UH System since he first began teaching after receiving his doctorate at the University of Iowa in 1969.

“It’s a pledge; as of this point I haven’t given the University a nickel, and until I die, they really won’t be getting too much. So I’m almost a little bit reluctant for people to thank me yet because I’m still alive and kicking,” Carp said, who specializes in public law.

Throughout Carp’s notable career, he has he received the UH Teaching Excellence award in 1996, served as the associate dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences until 2000, co-authored several books and wrote several articles.

Susan Scarrow, chair of the Political Science Department, said Carp’s gift expresses his trust in the faculty’s ability to educate future students.

“I’m thrilled because it’s such a great vow of confidence in our department and his colleagues,” Scarrow said.

“He thinks our students are the future and I think it’s more than a wonderful gift, it’s also a wonderful message because it shows that you don’t have to be the Cullens to do this kind of thing. Even ordinary people can have the resources, if they plan right, to make significant gifts that can considerably help our university.”

Carp said he is still reached by former students for recommendation letters, questions and comments. Students who still think of him and the positive impression he has made on their lives also get in touch simply to check up on him, he said.

“I came here as a young kid, and it makes me feel good that this institution that has put bread on my table for the last 44 years will give me a chance to give back and say thank you,” Carp said.

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