Gerald “Jerry” Hewitt, a longtime University of the Pacific professor and chair of the political science department, died August 21 at the age of 84.

During his 35 years at Pacific, Hewitt was the “heart and soul” of building several programs on campus, mentored students and faculty alike and had an incredible “depth of intellect,” according to Professor Emeritus Brian Klunk.

“He was at a time when there were all sorts of lions on the faculty. He was arguably the most thoughtful, the most engaged and deepest in his thought,” Klunk said.

Hewitt joined Pacific in 1969 to teach in Callison College, one of Pacific’s original cluster colleges which emphasized international relations. He taught comparative political systems and theory and spent some time living in Bangalore, India with students in the college.

When Callison closed in 1982, Hewitt moved into the College of the Pacific to teach philosophy and political science. A few years later, he helped found the School of International Studies where he developed innovative curriculum. It was the first university-based undergraduate school of international studies in California. 

Hewitt also served as chair of the political science department for several years. During his tenure, he oversaw the creation of notable programs, such as a popular pre-law program now known as Pacific Legal Advantage. 

Hewitt led the Model United Nations program for several years and was widely praised for his teaching, earning the Eberhardt Teacher-Scholar Award in 1994 among others.

“He had this remarkable commitment to working with students and to trying to get students to achieve their best results as learners,” Klunk said. “You could see that in so many ways.”

Hewitt was equally connected to faculty. Professor of Political Science Cynthia Ostberg said Hewitt was one of the key reasons she joined Pacific in 1994. 

“He was always helpful in providing advice when needed, listened and helped me navigate problems that naturally occur for all new faculty,” Ostberg said. “He was an intellectual force at the university, and even though he walked around in shorts, a t-shirt, and Birkenstocks, he always provided thoughtful and sage advice to others. Simply put, he was a good advisor and problem solver at the university.”

Hewitt leaves behind his wife Janelle Gobby Reinelt, daughters Mary Calvert (Ross) and Lara Wise (Michael), stepsons Matthew and Joshua Montero and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.