Stuart K. Witt
Stuart K. Witt, associate professor emeritus of government, died Sunday, February 10, 2019. He was 79.
Stuart taught in the Department of Government (now Political Science) from 1967 until his retirement in 2002. Stuart published often on state and local politics, but his interests were broader, ranging from ethnography and Jungian psychology to the philosophical thought of the Arab world. His most recent publication was a translation of the memoir of the Nicaraguan revolutionary Alejandro Miranda Moreno.
“The term ‘learned’ has gone out of fashion in the academy, but I can think of no adjective that better characterizes Stuart Witt,” recalled Ronald Seyb, associate dean of the faculty for student academic affairs and associate professor of political science. “His career was testament to the value of the broad training, intellectual fecundity, and invigorating collegiality that only small liberal arts colleges can offer.”
Born in Utica, Stuart earned his bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and his doctorate from Syracuse University. He was active in local politics and community causes.
Stuart was survived by his survived by his wife, Cordelia Willis-Hall; three sons, John, Adam, and Stuart; grandchildren Aspen, Jacob, Sam, Nicholai, Emmy, and Balasai; sibling Joseph; nieces and nephews.