G. Homer
Durham Distinguished
Service Award
The G. Homer Durham Distinguished Service Award, established in 1989 by the Utah Chapter of the American Society for Public Administration, honors appointed officials who have served the public with honor and integrity, as did Dr. Durham.
Dr. Durham was born in Parowan, Utah in 1911 and died in January of 1985. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Utah in 1932 and a Ph.D. in 1939 from the University of California at Los Angeles.
While at the University of Utah, he served as Director of the Institute of Government, which he originated, from 1946-1953, was head of the Political Science Department from 1948-53 and Vice-President of the University from 1953-1960. He was also the originator of the Western Political Quarterly. He left Utah to assume the Presidency of Arizona State University, a position he held from 1960 to 1969. He returned to Utah to serve as the Commissioner of Higher Education until 1976.
Dr. Durham was a founding member of ASPA, serving on the National Council from 1949-51, as Vice President in 1952 and as President of the National organization from 1959 to 1960. He was a most worthy recipient of our Chapter Distinguished Service Award in 1982 and was a strong supporter of ASPA goals and ideals throughout his life.