Rice University political scientist Robert M. "Bob" Stein dies at 75

Published in Media and Entertainment on Monday, July 21st 2025 at 16:02 GMT by Houston Public Media
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A native New Yorker, Stein joined the Rice University faculty in 1979 after earning his doctorate at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and teaching briefly at the University of Georgia.

Rice University Political Scientist Robert M. "Bob" Stein Dies at 75

Robert M. "Bob" Stein, a distinguished political scientist and longtime professor at Rice University, whose groundbreaking work on urban politics, public policy, and electoral behavior shaped generations of scholars and policymakers, passed away on July 20, 2025, at the age of 75. Stein, known for his sharp intellect, mentorship, and deep commitment to understanding the intricacies of American governance, died peacefully at his home in Houston after a brief illness. His death marks the end of an era for Rice University's political science department, where he had been a fixture for over four decades.

Born on March 15, 1950, in New York City, Stein grew up in a family that valued education and public service. His father was a civil servant, and his mother a teacher, instilling in him an early fascination with how governments function at the local level. Stein often recounted in interviews how his childhood experiences wandering the bustling streets of Manhattan sparked his interest in urban dynamics. He pursued his undergraduate studies at Johns Hopkins University, earning a bachelor's degree in political science in 1972. There, he was influenced by mentors who encouraged his analytical approach to politics, blending quantitative methods with qualitative insights.

Stein's academic journey continued at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he obtained his master's degree in 1974 and his Ph.D. in political science in 1977. His doctoral dissertation focused on the fiscal policies of American cities, laying the groundwork for what would become a lifelong exploration of urban governance. Fresh out of graduate school, Stein joined the faculty at Rice University in 1979 as an assistant professor. He quickly rose through the ranks, becoming a full professor by 1985 and later holding the prestigious Lena Gohlman Fox Professorship in Political Science. Over his 46-year tenure at Rice, Stein not only taught thousands of students but also served in various administrative roles, including chair of the political science department from 1995 to 2001.

Stein's scholarly contributions were vast and influential, particularly in the fields of urban politics, public administration, and intergovernmental relations. He authored or co-authored more than 100 articles and several seminal books, including "Urban Alternatives: Public and Private Markets in the Delivery of Local Services" (1981), which examined the efficiency of privatizing municipal services, and "Perpetual Motion: The Public and Private Lives of Urban Governments" (1990), a comprehensive analysis of how cities adapt to economic pressures. His research often delved into the complexities of federalism, exploring how federal, state, and local governments interact in areas like disaster response, transportation policy, and housing. One of his most cited works, "The Fiscal Revolution in America" (co-authored in 1995), dissected the tax revolts of the late 20th century and their lasting impact on public finance.

Beyond academia, Stein was a sought-after expert on electoral politics. He frequently provided commentary on local and national elections for media outlets, including Houston Public Media, NPR, and The New York Times. His analyses were prized for their data-driven precision and ability to cut through partisan noise. During the 2000 presidential election recount, Stein's insights on voting systems and urban turnout were instrumental in public discourse. In Houston, he collaborated with city officials on studies related to flood management and infrastructure, especially in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017. His work emphasized evidence-based policymaking, advocating for reforms that enhanced civic engagement and equity in urban settings.

Colleagues and students remember Stein not just for his intellectual prowess but for his warmth and dedication to mentorship. "Bob was the heart of our department," said Mark Jones, a fellow Rice political scientist and longtime collaborator. "He had this uncanny ability to make complex theories accessible, and he invested so much in his students' success. Many of us owe our careers to his guidance." Stein supervised over 50 doctoral dissertations, many of which led to influential publications and positions in academia, government, and think tanks. He was known for his open-door policy, often spending hours debating ideas with undergraduates over coffee in Rice's fondren Library. One former student, now a policy advisor in Washington, D.C., recalled: "Professor Stein didn't just teach politics; he lived it. He encouraged us to question assumptions and back our arguments with rigorous data."

Stein's teaching philosophy centered on experiential learning. He developed innovative courses like "Urban Politics and Policy," where students conducted fieldwork in Houston's diverse neighborhoods, analyzing everything from zoning laws to public transportation systems. He also pioneered Rice's internship program with local government agencies, bridging the gap between theory and practice. His classes were legendary for their lively discussions, where Stein's dry wit and encyclopedic knowledge kept students engaged. In recognition of his excellence, he received Rice's George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching multiple times, as well as the university's highest honor, the Nicolas Salgo Distinguished Teacher Award in 2010.

On a personal level, Stein was a devoted family man and community member. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Susan Stein, a retired educator; their two children, David Stein, an attorney in Austin, and Emily Stein, a journalist in New York; and four grandchildren. The couple met during graduate school in Madison, and their shared love of books and travel defined their life together. Stein was an avid reader of history and mystery novels, often drawing parallels between fictional plots and real-world political intrigue. He enjoyed hiking in the Texas Hill Country and was a passionate supporter of Houston's arts scene, serving on the board of the Houston Symphony for over a decade.

Stein's impact extended beyond Rice through his involvement in professional organizations. He was a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and served as president of the Urban Politics Section of the American Political Science Association. His research grants from institutions like the National Science Foundation funded projects that influenced policy at the federal level, including studies on emergency management post-9/11. In recent years, Stein turned his attention to the challenges of climate change and urban resilience, publishing papers on how cities like Houston could adapt to rising sea levels and extreme weather events. His final book, "Resilient Cities: Governance in an Era of Uncertainty" (2023), argued for adaptive governance models that incorporate community input and technological innovation.

Tributes have poured in from across the academic and political worlds. Rice University President Reginald DesRoches issued a statement praising Stein as "a pillar of our institution whose work exemplified the best of scholarly inquiry and public service." Houston Mayor John Whitmire, a former student, noted, "Bob's insights helped shape our city's policies for the better. He will be deeply missed." A memorial service is planned for August 15 at Rice's Shepherd School of Music, where friends, family, and colleagues will gather to celebrate his life. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Robert M. Stein Scholarship Fund at Rice, which supports students pursuing research in urban politics.

Bob Stein's legacy is one of intellectual curiosity, rigorous scholarship, and unwavering commitment to improving public life. Through his writings, teachings, and personal example, he inspired countless individuals to engage thoughtfully with the political world. As one colleague put it, "Bob didn't just study politics; he made it better." His passing leaves a void in the field, but his contributions will continue to influence how we understand and navigate the complexities of American democracy for years to come.

In reflecting on his career, Stein once said in a 2020 interview, "Politics is about people—how they live, govern, and dream. My job has been to illuminate those stories with data and empathy." It is this blend of analytical depth and human insight that defined his extraordinary life and work. (Word count: 1,048)

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Rice University political scientist Robert M. "Bob" Stein dies at 75 | Houston Public Media

Rice University Political Scientist Robert M. "Bob" Stein Dies at 75