Milwaukee, WI – The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation has announced that Dr. William Barclay Allen, Emeritus Dean of James Madison College and Professor of political science at Michigan State University, is a 2024 Bradley Prize winner.
Now in its 20th year, the Bradley Prize is awarded to individuals whose extraordinary work exemplifies the Foundation’s mission to restore, strengthen, and protect the principles and institutions of American exceptionalism. Allen will receive the award at the Bradley Prizes ceremony on Tuesday, May 21st at the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C.
“William has contributed deeply to scholarship on the American founders and the revered constitutional republic they created,” said Rick Graber, president of The Bradley Foundation. “His life’s work has helped sustain and advance our understanding of the cherished ideals that underscore our freedom. At a time when the need to pass on those ideals to future generations has taken on greater urgency, William continues to influence and shape young minds. We are delighted to celebrate his achievements at the Bradley Prizes ceremony.”
As in the past, this year’s award winners were chosen by the Bradley Prizes Selection Committee, after careful review ofover 60 distinguished nominations.Each award carries a stipend of $250,000.
Allen is a nationally recognized scholar and distinguished public servant. His areas of expertise extend across the humanities and social sciences to include the American founding and the U.S. Constitution; the life and political thought of George Washington; the influence of various political philosophers (especially Montesquieu) on the American founding; liberal arts education, its history, importance and problems; and the intersection of race and politics. Allen served on the National Council on the Humanities from 1984 to 1987 and as chairman of the United States Commission on Civil Rights from 1988 to 1989.
Allen is a former member and chairman of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights and has been a Kellogg National Fellow, Fulbright Fellow, and a member of the National Council on the Humanities. He has published several books, including George Washington: America’s First Progressive and Rethinking Uncle Tom: The Political Philosophy of H. B. Stowe. This year his critical edition translation and commentary on Montesquieu’s Spirit of the Laws was released by Anthem Press. He also edited such collections as George Washington: A Collection and The Essential Antifederalist and has published numerous scholarly articles on political philosophy and American political thought.
About The Lynde and Harry Bradley Foundation: Founded in 1985, the Milwaukee-based Bradley Foundation supports organizations that strengthen families and communities, inform and educate citizens, advance economic growth and encourage self-reliance. The Foundation’s approach to philanthropy is guided by four core principles: fidelity to the U.S. Constitution with its principles of limited government, federalism, separation of powers, and individual liberties; commitment to free markets; dedication to the formation of informed and capable citizens; and commitment to the institutions of civil society that cultivate individuals capable of self-governance.
