Hendrickson, J.P. (John P.) 1923-2002

John P. Hendrickson was born on February 17, 1923, in Valley City, North Dakota, to Rev. Alfred and Karen (Skorpen) Hendrickson. He graduated from Bismarck High School in 1940 and served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946 in the United States and Europe. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Iowa in 1947, a master’s degree in international relations from the University of Minnesota in 1949, and a doctorate in political science from the University of Iowa in 1952. In 1951, he married Arlene “Susie” Brogla in Iowa City, Iowa. Before joining South Dakota State University in 1954, Hendrickson taught at the University of Iowa and the College of Wooster in Ohio. He also pursued post-doctoral study at the University of Nebraska and the University of Manitoba, where his work contributed to the development of courses on Canadian politics and government at South Dakota State University.

Dr. Hendrickson had a long and distinguished career at South Dakota State University, serving as professor of political science from 1954 to 1988 and as head of the political science department from 1967 to 1988. He worked with the South Dakota Constitutional Revision Commission (1969–1975), the Local Government Study Commission, and the State Supreme Court Blue Ribbon Committee. In 1967, he was chosen to confer an Honorary Doctor of Science degree on Vice President Hubert Humphrey. Two years later, he was selected as Outstanding Teacher of the Year by SDSU students, faculty, and alumni. The South Dakota Supreme Court recognized him in 1986 for his service on the Blue Ribbon Citizen Committee. In 1988, he received the SDSU Alumni Association’s non-alumnus award for service to South Dakota and was named Professor Emeritus. He also received the Liberty Bell Award from the Brookings County Bar Association in 1989. Dr. Hendrickson was profiled in South Dakota 99, a collection highlighting 99 influential people from the state’s first 99 years.

After retiring from SDSU, Dr. Hendrickson remained active in public life. He authored the Home Rule Charter for Brookings in 1996 and served on the Argus Leader Editorial Board. He was also a member of Golden K and Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society.

Field of Activity: South Dakota--Politics and government, Political science
Occupation: Political scientists, College teachers
Associated Groups: South Dakota State University, 1954-1988