Ronald D. Hedlund
February 25, 2023
Dr. Ronald D. Hedlund, 81, of Estero, Florida passed away peacefully from complications of Parkinsons on February 25, 2023. Dr. Hedlund was a professor of political science for 50 years. Born in Joliet, Illinois to Reverend Henry G. Hedlund and Betty Marie (Nelson) and brother to the late Doreen Marie Swanson (Herbert), Ron graduated from Clermont (FL) High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, IL, and his master’s and doctoral degrees in political science from the University of Iowa. His long and storied career in higher education began in 1967 as an assistant professor of political science at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, where he later rose to associate and then full professor. Within the Political Science Department, he held several administrative positions and, beginning in 1980, served as Associate Dean of the Graduate School. In 1989, he became Vice Provost for Research and Service at the University of Rhode Island. He joined Northeastern University in Boston, MA in 1996 as Vice Provost for Research and Graduate Education, retiring in 2016 as Professor Emeritus of Political Science.
Under his leadership, Dr. Hedlund focused on increasing academic and research excellence, which took many forms, including expanding student learning opportunities, encouraging faculty-mentored research projects, providing research support and professional development for faculty, and strengthening academic offerings on campus. He also nurtured relationships between the universities for which he worked and industry, including initiating and supporting research partnerships. Throughout his career, Ron continued his own research on state legislatures (receiving, among others, 4 National Science Foundation grants). Solely or in collaboration with colleagues and graduate students, he published more than 60 professional journal articles, books, and book chapters; and presented his research at more than 120 professional conferences. Supporting his favorite sports teams, hosting get-togethers, and being involved in the lives of family were also priorities for him.
Ron loved living here and especially enjoyed sitting on his lanai overlooking the lake, thinking “deep” thoughts, and watching the birds, ducks and an occasional alligator. His physical limitations precluded his active participation in many activities, but he did enjoy several seasons of bocce, conversations with neighbors and attending Masters get-togethers.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 58 years, Dr. Ellen (Parrish); his daughter Karen Marie, Norton, MA; his son, Dr. David P., his wife Yi Hsin (Chuang), and grandson Jayden of West Hempstead, NY; and 3 generations of nieces and nephews who loved him and thought of him as their family patriarch.