Scholar, mentor, cyclist: political scientist Bob Stein remembered

By Hope Yang     7/27/25 11:04am

Robert  “Bob” M. Stein, Rice professor emeritus and prominent political scientist, passed away July 18 of cancer at 75. 

During his 46 years at Rice, Stein shaped the social sciences landscape, serving as dean of the school of social sciences and chair of the political sciences department. As a celebrated political science figure, Stein connected his academic work to public policy in Houston and beyond.

Known for his enthusiasm in and out of the classroom, Stein remained active in teaching, conducting research and serving the public up until his retirement in June.

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Stein was deeply involved in Houston’s political and civic circles. He often appeared on local and national news and built an extensive network across the city, according to Mary McIntire, former dean of the Glasscock School of Continuing Studies.

Born in New York City, Stein developed an interest in politics at age 10. After earning his Ph.D in social sciences, Stein worked on several political campaigns, including that of former President Jimmy Carter, before joining Rice University in 1979.

Richard Murray, a University of Houston political scientist, worked on polling for media outlets with Stein for over 40 years and remembers Stein’s fervor for policy discussions. Murray said that during panel discussions, Stein would often get so enthusiastic that he would run far over time.

“I think a lot of success was reflective of Bob’s personal qualities: drive, enthusiasm,” Murray said.

Stein conducted research on voting access, emergency preparedness, behavioral responses to severe weather events and public service programs for low-income communities. His work received support from the National Science Foundation, Pew Charitable Trusts and the City of Houston.

Much of Stein’s research has shaped public policy, including his work on voter turnout leading to automatic voter registration in various states, where instead of opting in, voters are automatically registered to vote and can opt out, according to Rick Wilson, professor emeritus of political science.

Stein was also known for his work with students. Gloria Tarpley ‘81 said she first met Stein when she stumbled into his public policy class as a junior. She said Stein’s mentorship influenced her to pursue public service in her career as a lawyer.

“I attribute all of it to Bob Stein and the ideals that he held up and the very savvy toolbox that he gave us to put lofty ideals into practical effect,” Tarpley said. 

Stein was active in civic engagement at Rice, helping establish the Center for Civic Leadership. Through the CCL’s Houston Action Research Team program, Stein helped students with projects ranging from drive-through voting during the COVID-19 pandemic to library placement around the city.

Former student Randall Schulz ‘24 met Stein as a sophomore on a HART program focusing on improving poll worker training and election administration. With the help of Stein, Schulz and his team presented their findings and made recommendations to the Harris County Election Administrator.

“Dr. Stein showed me that academic research can have a direct and meaningful impact on my community,” Schulz wrote in an email to the Thresher. 

Marty, Stein’s wife, remembers his engagement with the city of Houston during her time as the former agenda director for the city. She said that he was eager to send out students to work on joint projects with the city.

As chair of the political science department, Stein helped establish the Baker Institute for Public Policy. He also expanded policy studies at Rice from a local to international level, bringing former mayors Kathy Whitmire and Lee Brown on board as directors, according to James Pomerantz, former dean of social sciences.

During his tenure at Rice, Stein won the George R. Brown Award for Superior Teaching twice and held the Lena Gohlman Fox Professorship of Political Science

Pomerantz remembers Stein for his energy in the classroom.

“You have to know your stuff, and you also have to be a communicator and get your students engaged, and Bob could get anyone engaged about anything from bicycling to who the next president of the United States is going to be,” Pomerantz said.

This April, Stein received the Y. Ping Sun Award for Outstanding Community Engagement for his dedication to serving the city of Houston.

Outside of policy work, Marty Stein said her husband was a “family guy” with many passions. 

“He was a wonderful husband and father, and he was always there for us,” Marty Stein said.

As a dedicated triathlete, one of his most well-known passions was bicycling. Schulz described Stein as “unabashedly himself” and said that he once arrived at a lecture wearing a bike suit.

Stein’s funeral service was held on July 22. A campus event to celebrate his legacy is planned for the fall.

Stein is survived by his wife, Marty, their daughters, Nora and Annie, and five grandchildren.

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