About Emory » Emory's 175th Anniversary » 175 of Everything » 175 Makers of History

175 Makers of History: Catherine E. Rudder

Catherine E. Rudder 69C
First Female Executive Director of the American Political Science Association

When Catherine E. Rudder received the Brittain Award at her commencement, it was easy to see she was destined for great things.

Rudder soon earned a PhD in political science at Ohio State and joined the faculty of the University of Georgia. She then took a leave of absence to serve as chief of staff to U.S. Representative Wyche Fowler (D-Georgia). From there, Rudder joined the American Political Science Association (APSA), eventually rising to executive director -- the first woman to hold the prestigious position.

After thirteen years at the head of the APSA, Rudder returned to academia and is now a professor of public policy at George Mason University.