Tim Hodson, executive director of the Center for California Studies at Sacramento State, died on Oct. 25 at the age of 61, and is being remembered by many as a leader on and off campus.

Hodson had prostate cancer, which spread to his brain.

“Professor Hodson was a dynamic and creative leader,” said Charles Gossett, dean of the College of Social Sciences and Interdisciplinary Studies. “He was always open, friendly, and a great story-teller whenever I was with him.”

Hodson was named executive director in 1993 and also was in charge of leading what Forbes magazine called one of the top 10 internships in the nation, the Capital Fellows program.

“His signature accomplishment was elevating the Capital Fellows program to national prominence,” Gossett said. “That helped tremendously in putting Sac State on the map of universities with nationally known academic programs.”

Gossett said when he attended the orientation of the incoming class of Fellows, in addition to a number of fellows from the California State University and University of California systems, he found many from out-of-state, including a half dozen or so from some of the most prestigious schools in the country such as Harvard, Yale and Stanford.

“Tim was instrumental in making this happen by ensuring the high quality of the program and reaching out across the country,” Gossett said.

Hodson started off by getting his education through the CSU system, attending CSU Fullerton where he earned a bachelor’s degree before earning his master’s degree and doctorate from UC Santa Barbara.

From there, Hodson became a full professor within Sac State’s Government and Public Policy and Administration departments.

“He was respected by everyone he worked with because he really understood California politics,” Gossett said.

From 1978 to 1993, Hodson spent time working for the state Senate as a consultant to committees on Political Reform and Government Regulation.

He also spent time as a principal consultant with the Senate Office of Research and as the staff director of the Senate Elections and Reapportionment Committee.

Hodson’s political knowledge was frequently quoted by prominent newspapers such as the New York Times, the London Times, the Los Angeles Times and the Sacramento Bee on California politics.

On top of his appearances in newspapers as an expert, he was also the author of various articles on California government and politics.

When Hodson announced his retirement, a celebration of what he accomplished at Sac State was created more than a month ago to honor him at the event. At the time, he was dealing with cancer, so he stepped down to enjoy the remainder of his life outside of academia.

At the event, speakers came up to the podium to talk about Hodson, including friendly adversary, retired state Sen. Ross Johnson.

“It may seem curious as a lifelong Republican that I admire Tim Hodson as I do,” Johnson said. “Hodson had always had that rare and priceless gift; the ability to disagree without being disagreeable.”

The Timothy A. Hodson endowment also was introduced during the reception. The funds will support former Capital Fellows aiming to further their education in public policy and related fields, to continue in public service and for related purposes.

Dean Emerita Patricia Clark-Ellis said the endowment was made for students interested in public policy who are far less fortunate to help with basic student needs like housing and clothing.

 

Timothy A. Hodson Scholarship 

Contributions to the late Timothy Hodson’s scholarship program can be made at: tinyurl.com/67bxt6e

 

Russell Preston can be reached at [email protected]