COPAFS is saddened to learn of the recent passing of Kenneth Prewitt at age 90. Dr. Prewitt served as the 20th Director of the U.S. Census Bureau and led the bureau during the 2000 decennial census. During his tenure he worked to increase participation in the census which he considered “a civic activity of the highest order.” An eminent political scientist of wide ranging impact and contributions, Dr. Prewitt was Carnegie Professor Emeritus of Public Affairs at Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs at the time of his death. He also provided distinguished leadership and service as director of the National Opinion Research Center (1976-1979), and president of the Social Science Research Council (1979-1985, 1995-1998). He received recognition throughout the research community, being named a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the American Academy of Political and Social Science, the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Felice Levine, Board member and immediate Past Chair of COPAFS, recalls Ken as a “dear friend, mentor, and partner in research and data advocacy for literally decades. Ken was there at the very beginning of COPAFS and was the driving force in the establishment of the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA) some 45 years ago. For me personally,” Levine added, “his mentoring, support, and cheer leading made all the difference for me career-long, and I know I was not at all alone.”
The board and staff of COPAFS share their condolences with Dr. Prewitt’s family, friends and colleagues.