Steffen Schmidt

Nevada, Iowa

For 15 years “Dr. Politics” and his popular call-in show have kept listeners tuned to WOI Radio, but 2004 saw Iowa State University professor of political science Steffen Schmidt go from the doctor of politics to the dean. While Schmidt has for many years been one of the most quotable political science experts in the country, sharing his insights with such media outlets as CNN, the BBC, and the New York Times, the high media profile of the 2004 democratic race turned him into a bona fide superstar. Always willing to offer an astute and sharp-witted observation on the political process in one of his four fluent languages, the Colombia native brought an unprecedented level of exposure to Iowa State during the 2004 Iowa Caucuses. Schmidt’s visage graced the ABC Jumbotron in New York’s Times Square; he conducted interviews with all three U.S. Spanish language networks; he was a guest on CNN’s “Crossfire;” he was quoted in countless national newspapers, such as the Chicago Tribune, USA Today, and the Christian Science Monitor; and when Schmidt asked Marjan Moolenaar of the Netherlands National Television exactly why she wanted to talk to him she replied, “You are the most famous political scientist, and you are quoted by all the media on U.S. presidential elections and Iowa Caucuses.”

Schmidt’s willingness to do every interview requested of him has brought him worldwide respect. And with every interview and piece of commentary, the name Iowa State University—where Schmidt has served on the faculty for 30 years—has been juxtaposed with his. Those who work with him say the publicity Schmidt has brought to Iowa State could not be bought at any price.

Schmidt has also worked with the Iowa Department of Economic Development on international trade issues and was the recipient of the Governor’s Volunteer Award for his contributions in the Hispanic community.