Benjamin Evans Lippincott (1902–1988) studied at the London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London, from 1927–1929. At that time, he interrupted his studies to take a position as instructor of political science at the University of Minnesota, then returned to England in the summer of 1930 to finish his PhD degree. He was made an assistant professor of political science in 1932 and an associate professor in 1939. In 1946, he returned to the University and became a full professor of political science. He remained on the University of Minnesota faculty until his retirement as Professor Emeritus in 1971.

He was committed to civil liberties, student rights, and was the most outspoken supporter of integrated student housing on the faculty. Dean Nicholson sent Lippincott’s name to Republican operative Ray Chase as a person who would be of interest to him in his work of tracking “radicals,” and often forwarding their names to the FBI.

His papers are held at the University of Minnesota Archives.