Remembering longtime MSU PLS professor David W. Rohde

July 23, 2026

Longtime MSU political scientist Dr. David W. Rohde, an expert on American politics and legislative behavior, passed away at age 82 from complications of pancreatic cancer, on June 20. 

Rohde, who taught at MSU for 35 years, was a University Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Political Science. At the time of his death, he was the Ernestine Friedl Distinguished Professor of Political Science at Duke University. 

"Rhode was one of the best-recognized names in his field, and his work remains required reading for graduate students at MSU," said MSU PLS Professor Ian Ostrander. “Rhode trained many successful PhD students while at MSU who have since moved on to train students of their own." 

Born in Buffalo, NY, Rohde received his B.S. from Canisius College in 1967 and his Ph.D. from the University of Rochester in 1971. Rohde joined MSU PLS as an Assistant Professor in 1970, was promoted to Associate Professor in 1973, and to Professor in 1978. He served as a University Distinguished Professor from 1992-1993 and from 1994 to 2005. During this time, he also served as Dean of James Madison College at MSU. 

He joined Duke in 2005 and retired in 2020. 

Rhode was a scholar of American politics with a focus on the US Congress. He is widely known for his research on the power of party leaders within the House of Representatives. Rhode influenced a generation of scholars through his research center on Political Institutions and Public Choice (PIPC) at both Michigan State and Duke as well as through dozens of books and research articles.  

His full obituary can be found here: https://theuswillregistry.org/obituaries-and-death-notices/obituaries/david-william-rohde-406915424