The article is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Viktor Vasilievich Zheltov, the first Dean of the Department of Political Sciences and Sociology of Kemerovo State University, the Head of the Department of Political Sciences (2003–2016), and the Head of the Dissertation Council on political and sociological sciences (1994–2007). Today V. V. Zheltov is a recognized expert in all areas of modern political science and sociology. The article contains information on his main achievements as a scientist and a leader. The authors used historical and biographical methods, document analysis, indepth interviews, and event analysis. The paper pays a tribute to V. V. Zheltov’s contribution to the development of Kemerovo State University.