University community remembers longtime political science professor Allan Cigler

LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas community is remembering Allan Cigler, a professor emeritus of political science who spent his entire career at KU. Cigler died Jan. 13 in Lawrence. He was 73.

“Professor Cigler’s body of work as a researcher speaks for itself, and it is even more notable given his tireless efforts as a teacher and a mentor who helped shape the minds of countless students during his 44 years at KU,” said Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little. “On behalf of the entire university, I express my deepest condolences to his family, friends and to all who knew him at KU.”

Cigler joined the Department of Political Science in 1970 as an acting assistant professor. He was promoted to assistant, associate and then full professor. In 1992 he was named a Chancellors Club Teaching Professor.

His teaching spanned introductory courses in American politics to the psychological base of political behavior. His scholarly interests were in American political parties and interest groups, topics on which he published several books and many articles.

“Political science faculty, staff, students and alumni are greatly saddened at the loss of Professor Cigler,” said Don Haider-Markel, who leads the department. “He shepherded generations of students and set the benchmarks for teaching excellence at KU. His spirit lives on in our classrooms.”

There were no services.