In Memoriam: Renowned Political Scientist and former APSA President, Dr. Matthew Holden, Jr., Passes Away –

This obituary is written by Dr. Mary Coleman and John Matthew Holden, with additional contributions from The HistoryMakers website and the APSA.

Dr. Matthew Holden Jr., renowned political scientist, distinguished educator, and cherished mentor, passed away on January 26, 2025, at the age of 93. A man of profound intellect, unwavering dedication, and boundless curiosity, Dr. Holden’s contributions to the field of political science and his commitment to justice and equity have left an indelible mark on academia and beyond.

Dr. Holden held numerous on academic appointments and leadership positions at the American Political Science Association (APSA), serving as the APSA President (98-99), Vice President (76-77), and numerous APSA committees—including the Ethics Committee and the APSR Editorial Board (89-92), the Ralph J. Bunche Award Committee (1983), and the Centennial Campaign Presidents Council (98-03). He specialized in the US Presidency, the Executive Branch, public administration, and urban politics. He also completed an APSA Oral History Interview in 1993, where he shares his experiences in the discipline of political science. He was also President of the Policy Studies Organization and a Board Member of the Social Science Council.

“Dr. Holden was an intellectual giant and prolific scholar of American political institutions, public administration, race and politics, and more. He cared deeply for the profession, devoting a great deal of his time mentoring scholars throughout the profession. I have fond memories of him regularly calling the APSA Office to share his latest research or to inquire about a recent program announcement. He leaves behind an amazing legacy and scholarly contribution to the profession and beyond” — Kimberly A. Mealy, APSA Executive Director

Matthew was born to Matthew Holden Sr. and Estelle Holden on September 12, 1931, in Mound Bayou, Mississippi. Matthew Holden Jr. grew up with a deep passion for learning and an acute awareness of societal challenges. Dr. Holden entered the University of Chicago at 15 and later graduated from Roosevelt College. He earned his doctorate in political science at Northwestern University in Chicago, Illinois. These formative years shaped the principles and intellectual rigor that would define his illustrious career:

Holden joined the faculty at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan in 1961. In 1963, he began his employment at the University of Pittsburgh. During this period, Holden also worked at Resources for the Future, Inc. in Washington, D.C. He returned to the faculty at Wayne State University in 1966, where he remained until 1969. Dr. Holden joined the Urban Institute, an independent think tank based in Washington, D.C. From 1969 to 1972, Holden served on the Social Science Research Council board and held a part-time position on the President’s Air Quality Advisory board in 1972. In 1974, Dr. Holden served as chairperson of the Elections Committee for the American Political Science Association. – The HistoryMakers: Biography: Dr. Matthew Holden, Jr.

Dr. Holden became a tenured professor of political science and public policy administration at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and remained on the faculty roster until 1981. In 1976, Dr. Holden accepted an appointment to the Wisconsin Public Service Commission and was appointed to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission by President Jimmy Carter in 1977. In 1998, Dr. Holden was the third Black American to serve as president of the American Political Science Association. He succeeded African Americans Ralph Bunche and Lucius Barker as president.

He served as an endowed chair at the University of Virginia. Dr. Holden’s long tenure at the University of Virginia as the Henry L. and Grace Doherty Professor of Government and Foreign Affairs was marked by his contributions to political theory, public administration, and race and politics. He was not only a scholar of exceptional insight and incisiveness, but also a teacher whose classroom was a space of vibrant debate and transformative learning. His students admired his ability to challenge conventional thought, inspiring generations to think critically and act purposefully.

Beyond his academic endeavours, Dr. Holden authored several influential works, including The Politics of the Black “Nation” and Continuity and Disruption: Essays in Public Administration. These works remain seminal contributions, reflecting his commitment to exploring complex social dynamics and advocating for systemic change.

Holden also received an honorary L.L.D. degree from Tuskegee University in 1985, and the Otto Wirth Award from the Roosevelt University Alumni Association in 1998. Two years later, he was awarded an honorary L.H.D. degree from the Virginia Theological Seminary. In 2012, Holden’s biography was entered into the U.S. Congressional Record.

Dr. Holden’s impact was not confined to academia. He was deeply engaged in public service and community advocacy, lending his voice and expertise to advance policies aimed at creating a more equitable society.

His dedication to justice and his ability to bridge academic theory with real-world application made him a trusted advisor and a force for positive change. – Dr. Mary Coleman and John Matthew Holden (the son of Dr. Holden)

Matthew’s beloved wife, Dorothy Holden, preceded him in death. Dr. Holden is survived by his sons, John Matthew Alexander Holden and Paul Hendricks. They remember their dad as a loving father, husband, and grandfather. To his family, he was a beacon of love, strength, and humility, always encouraging those around him to strive for excellence and embrace life’s complexities.

A memorial service to celebrate Dr. Holden’s life and legacy will be held at St. Christopher’s. Instead of flowers, please donate to a charity emblematic of Dr. Matthew Holden Jr.’s dedication to education, public service, and social justice.

Dr. Matthew Holden Jr.’s life was a testament to the power of ideas and the enduring impact of a life dedicated to truth and justice. He will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing him, and his legacy will continue to inspire future generations.

Dr. Mary Coleman is the former SVP and COO, Economic Mobility Pathways, Boston, Massachusetts (retired). Former director of the Center for University Scholars, Associate Dean and Political Science Professor, Jackson State University (retired). Dr. Coleman oversaw the dedication of a reading room and created the Matthew and Dorothy Holden Lecture Series Reading; both memorialize Matthew’s legacy as a practitioner of politics and as scholar of wide ranging depth and seriousness.

John Matthew Holden is the son of Dr. Matthew Holden. He is a Social Worker and lives in Australia.

The HistoryMakers is a national 501 (c ) (3) non-profit research and educational institution committed to preserving and making widely accessible the untold personal stories of both well-known and unsung African Americans. Through the media and a series of user-friendly products, services and events, The HistoryMakers enlightens, entertains and educates the public, helping to refashion a more inclusive record of American history. Read more

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