Gift Establishes First Endowed Chair of Wilkes Honors College
by Lynda F. Rysavy | Thursday, Mar 25, 2021
The Comforts recently made a gift to establish the Pierrepont Comfort Chair in Political Science at Florida Atlantic University's Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College. The Honors College’s first endowed chair honors Jeffrey Morton, Ph.D., foreign policy association fellow and professor of political science in the Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters and will provide support of his work in the field of political science and the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program.
“We gave it because of Jeffrey’s remarkable contributions to so many, from undergraduate students to adult learners like us, ” said Mrs. Comfort.
“The Comforts gift will ensure that the impact of Dr. Morton's work as an internationally known leader in the field of political science and scholar of foreign policy continues through future generations,” said the college dean, Justin Perry, Ph.D. "Through their vision and generosity, Dr. Jeffrey Morton will hold the first endowed chair in the history of the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College."
Morton is a specialist in international law, focusing on security studies, international organization and international relations theory. He also teaches at the Wilkes Honors College, directs the Leon Charney Diplomacy Program, which offers students a unique opportunity to enhance their diplomatic skills and compete in diplomatic simulations. In addition, Professor Morton conducts a very popular lecture series for adult students at FAU’s Osher Life Long Learning Institutes at the Jupiter, Boca Raton and Ft. Lauderdale campuses.
“I am so grateful to the Comforts for their generous gift. Being named the Pierrepont Comfort Chair in Political Science is a crowning achievement of my career and I am eternally grateful,” said Dr. Morton. “This gift both honors and helps sustain FAU's vision of bringing extraordinary faculty and students to FAU and the Wilkes Honors College. I am delighted for their support and I am honored to be a part of building a legacy.”