The Ford School is deeply saddened to announce the passing of Lawrence B. “Larry” Mohr, professor emeritus of political science and public policy, on March 9, 2025, in Chicago, IL, at the age of 93.
After growing up in Detroit, Larry attended the University of Chicago before moving to San Francisco, where he pursued his passion for music as part of a folk-singing duo with Odetta. Together, they released the album *Odetta and Larry at the Tin Angel in 1954*. Their musical partnership continued until Larry was drafted into the army; upon his return, they reunited briefly before he chose a different path. Rather than follow a professional music career, he dedicated several years to the U.S. Public Health Service before transitioning into academia.
Larry earned his MPA and PhD in political science from the University of Michigan. From 1966 to 1999, he was a dedicated faculty member at his alma mater and a founding member of the Institute of Public Policy Studies (IPPS) in 1969.
He was an expert in organization theory, program evaluation, research methods, and the philosophy of social research. In 1992, he received The Donald T. Campbell Award of the Policy Studies Organization, “for outstanding methodological innovation in public policy studies.” In addition to being a notable scholar and beloved teacher, Larry served as a consultant for organizations, such as the Government Accounting Office, National Institute of Education, National Institute of Justice, and National Science Foundation.
His colleague and close friend, John Chamberlin, professor emeritus of public policy and political science, noted Larry’s approach to organizations and program evaluation, and his emphasis on impact analysis, which provided breadth to courses and research coverage at the Ford School.
Larry encouraged his students “to think very hard about what social science research can accomplish,” a theme reflected in his writings.
Dong Yeon KIM, governor of Gyeonggi Province, Korea, returned with his family to Ann Arbor for Larry's memorial service on May 30, 2025. Below is an excerpt from his eulogy:
"I first met Larry 36 years ago as his student. He became my academic advisor, and later, my doctoral dissertation committee chair. But he was far more than just a professor to me. He was a mentor, a friend, and family. His profound scholastic horizons and deep understanding of human behavior greatly affected my intellectual and philosophical perspectives. Most of all, he understood me as a human being, accepting me for who I was. I firmly believe that without him, I could not have served my roles as the Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and Governor. ... Larry, thank you—for your wisdom that shaped my thinking and your heart that gave me courage, and your gaze that recognized who I truly was, and truly am."
Please join us in extending heartfelt sympathies to Larry Mohr’s family.
The family has asked that contributions be made to the Ford School in lieu of flowers.