Fiorina to Join Stanford's Political Science Faculty

Frank G. Thomson Professor of Government Morris P. Fiorina Jr. announced to classes yesterday that he has accepted a position in the political science department at Stanford University. Fiorina specializes in American congressional politics and has taught at the College for 16 years.

Fiorina would not discuss specific reasons for the move, but said simply that he felt the "time of life to make a switch" had come.

"I've had 15 good years," he said.

George D. Markham Professor of Government Kenneth A. Shepsle, chair of the department, said he was saddened to see Fiorina leave the College.

"Stanford is a wonderful institution," Shepsle said," but we're very disappointed to see him leave."

Shepsle said yesterday that he is unaware of what caused Fiorina's departure.

"Decisions to leave are complicated and multidimensional," Shepsle said.

He speculated that Stanford might have offered Fiorina "possibilities to spend more time on research." Fiorina's current research focuses on electoral and congressional politics.

Fiorina is the author of several political textbooks, including his most recent New American Democracy and Congress, keystone of the Washington Establishment, a staple for introductory Government classes.

Fiorina, who currently teaches Government 30: "Introduction to American Government," joined the faculty in 1982, receiving an honorary degree from the University the same year. He recently joined other member of the department in supporting former Associate Professor Bonnie Honig, who was denied tenure in a controversial decision last year.

Before coming to Harvard, Fiorina taught at the California Institute of Technology. Shepsle said Fiorina's return to California may be prompted in part by fond memories.

"I understand the weather is better there," Shepsle said.