2021 News Archives
Diversity Torch: Harnoor Kaur
December 21, 2021
Harnoor Kaur is a third-year MSU College of Social Science student majoring in Criminal Justice and Political Science, with minors in History, Peace and Justice studies, and Law Justice and Public Policy. Originally from India, Harnoor became a Spartan social scientist after discovering her passion for human rights and discovering opportunities to do work in this area at Michigan State University.
Diversity Spotlight: Maen Hammad
December 20, 2021
Mr. Maen Hammad, an MSU political science alumnus. Mr. Hammad, photographer, filmmaker, and activist is an experienced human rights researcher and campaigner at Amnesty International.
PLS Senior receives George C. Marshall Leadership Award
December 13, 2021
Hayden Ferguson, Political Science senior and Army ROTC student, has been selected for the George C. Marshall Leadership Award. Hayden has served as cadet battalion commander during the fall semester and is the top senior in the Army ROTC program this semester.
PLS junior Megan Smejkal is grand prize winner of the Fall 2021 WLI Scholarships
December 2, 2021
The Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) invited MSU undergraduate students enter to win “The Future of Work and Leadership” scholarship this fall. This contest was tied to an event held on September 30 by the same name, featuring women leaders.
Two PLS students included in MSU Women’s Leadership Institute First Ever Student Cohort
December 1, 2021
The Women’s Leadership Institute (WLI) at Michigan State University has officially created a first of its kind student cohort for the 2021-2022 academic year and two MSU Political Science undergraduates are included in the selection.
Ira Polley Memorial Scholarship awarded to three MPP students
November 16, 2021 - Karessa Weir
Three MSU Political Science Master of Public Policy students have been awarded Ira Polley Scholarships for their exceptional work both inside and outside the classroom, MPP officials announced this week.
Michigan Redistricting Map Analysis
November 16, 2021 - Cynthia Kyle
A new Michigan State University analysis of the latest maps redrawing Michigan’s congressional and legislative districts called Monday for attention to increasing population equality across districts, addressing remaining Voting Rights Act compliance concerns, especially in Detroit, and articulating how communities of interest were selected for protection in the maps.
MSU PLS alumna Jasmine Jordan a finalist for the U.S. Rhodes Scholarship
November 10, 2021
Jasmine Jordan is an Honors College alumna and 2021 graduate with a BA degree in Political Science in the College of Social Science. She was a member of the Urban Educator Cohort Program, and minored in Educational Studies in the College of Education, and African and African American Studies in the College of Arts and Letters. Jordan was a member of the Social Science Scholars Program and the Political Science Scholars Program in the College of Social Science, and was an Honors Research Scholar in the Honors College. Jordan is currently a Gates Cambridge Scholar where she is pursuing an MPhil in Criminological Research at the University of Cambridge.
House Majority Whip Rep. James E. Clyburn shares his experiences, inspirations and insights at the 2021 Gov. Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum
November 10, 2021 - Karessa Weir
The speaker for the 2021 Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum was House Majority Whip James E. Clyburn, D-South Carolina.
Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke named exemplary mentor
October 26, 2021
MSU Political Science Associate Professor receives the 2021 Adaljiza Sosa-Riddel Mentor Award for Exemplary Mentoring of Latino/a Graduate Students in Political Science
MSU PLS students create local voter guides
October 25, 2021
Led by Associate Professor Dr. Sarah Reckhow, the Urban Politics scholars created comprehensive guides for both East Lansing and Lansing elections.
From Thin to Thick Representation: How a Female President Shapes Female Parliamentary Behavior
October 24, 2021 - Dr. Michael Wahman, Nikolaos Frantzeskakis
MSU PLS Assistant Professor Michael Wahman and PhD student Nikolaos Frantzeskakis have published an article discussing how the symbolic power of a female president affects female parliamentary behavior.
How political partisanship governed in-person schooling during pandemic
October 19, 2021 - Caroline Brooks
MSU PLS Associate Professor Dr. Sara Reckhow, together with MSU PLS Professor Dr. Matt Grossmann and Education Professor Dr. Katherine Strunk, collected and analyzed date on COVID-19 rates, educator unionization, presidential voting records, district demographics, state education policies and local district reopening plans in Michigan.
U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow, MSU College of Social Science alumna, receives the Bryce Harlow Award for public service with integrity
October 19, 2021 - Karessa Weir
MSU alumna U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow has been honored for the integrity of her public service with the Bryce Harlow Foundation Award.
IPPSR report analyzes new election maps
October 18, 2021 - Cindy Kyle
Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social and Social Research released a new report analyzing proposed maps redrawing congressional and legislative districts and headed to public hearings this week.
Two MSU PLS students nominated for prestigious graduate school scholarships
October 13, 2021
MSU PLS senior Renold Mueller and 2021 MSU PLS grad Jasmine Jordan have been nominated by Michigan State University for national competitive graduate school scholarships.
U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn to speak at MSU’s Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum
October 10, 2021
James E. Clyburn, Majority Whip, in the United States House of Representatives will speak at the Wharton Center at 7:30 pm on Monday, November 8th, as a special guest of the Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum. Tickets will go on sale Friday, October 15th, 2021.
Neal Hegarty awarded the Alumni Service Award
October 3, 2021
MSU MPP alum Neal Hegarty was honored by the College of Social Science for having demonstrated service to the college on a local and state wide level.
Student View: Being a 'real' artist
October 3, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
MSU PLS alumna Liz Schondelmayer is a graduate student in the MSU Strategic Communication Master’s Program as well as a full-time communications coordinator for the MSU College of Social Science. Schondelmayer was part of the MSU Honors College and Social Science Scholars Program. She earned her undergraduate degrees in political science and media and information from MSU in 2019.
MSU PLS's Matt Grossmann publishes 'How Social Science Got Better'
September 30, 2021 - Caroline Brooks
Michigan State University political scientist Matt Grossmann has had a busy five years tracking two controversial presidential elections, deepening polarization, and power shifts in Lansing and Washington. During that time, the director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research has represented the university on CNN, C-SPAN, and NBC News, as well as in publications including The Washington Post and Politico.
Former Gov. Jim Blanchard shares stories and advice with PLS students
September 23, 2021 - Karessa Weir
Former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard sat down with 11 MSU Political Science students recently to discuss his history, current politics and how vastly different Michigan’s political landscape is today.
Diversity Torch: Brenda Pilar-Ayala
September 22, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Brenda Pilar-Ayala is a senior majoring in Psychology and Political Science Pre-law, and minoring in Chicano-Latino Studies, Educational Studies and Leadership in Integrated Learning. Born in Mexico City, Brenda grew up in Lansing and came to Michigan State University in 2017, where she has since exemplified the Spartan spirit of working hard, giving back and helping others - earning her a spot on MSU's 2021 homecoming court.
Student Voice: Stepping out from the shadows
September 19, 2021 - Brenda Pilar
Brenda Pilar is a senior majoring in psychology and political science: pre-law in the College of Social Science. Pilar is minoring in Chicano/Latino studies, educational studies and leadership in integrated learning. She is a Bailey Scholar and a member of the 2021-22 Homecoming Court.
First-generation farmworker student begins college career as MSU PLS student
September 14, 2021 - Henry Mochida
Luz Vazquez Hernandez is a first-year and first-generation student at Michigan State University. A daughter of parents who are migrant farmers from Mulberry, Florida, Vazquez Hernandez, a political science major, is the second in her family to attend MSU. Her brother Juan is a senior.
MSU PLS presents the latest Political Economy newsletter
August 17, 2021
The summer 2021 issue of The Political Economist was edited by Drs. Cristina Bodea, Andrew Kerner and Shahryar Minhas with PhD student Ha Eun Choi.
MSU PLS community saddened by the death of alum Avery Williams
August 15, 2021
Avery Williams was a founding member and the managing partner of Detroit-based Williams Acosta, PLLC a diverse business law firm. Mr. Williams is a 1979 magna cum laude graduate of Michigan State University and a 1982 graduate of the University of Michigan Law School. He was a regular speaker at the Michigan Government Semester Program.
Former Michigan Governor Jim Blanchard Reflects on the Life and Legacy of Former U.S. Senator for Michigan Carl Levin
July 29, 2021 - Becky Jensen
“For over fifty years, I have known Carl Levin as a friend, a colleague and a leader of the important issues of our times. He was much more than Michigan’s longest serving United States Senator."
MSU PLS welcomes new James Madison College Dean
July 27, 2021
Dr. Cameron G. Thies has been named the next dean of James Madison College, effective July 1. Dr. Thies previously served as professor of international relations in the School of Politics and Global Studies at Arizona State University, and as chairperson of the Department of Political Science at University of Iowa.
Dr. Ana Bracic awarded the APSA Experimental Research Section Book Prize
June 30, 2021
Dr. Bracic's book "Breaking the Exclusion Cycle" was named Best Book Published in 2020.
Young Alumni Spotlight: Gabby Kindig
June 23, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
This Pride month, the College of Social Science is celebrating our LGBTQ+ alumni who are working to make positive changes within their communities. June's Young Alumni Spotlight, Gabby Kindig, graduated from the College of Social Science in 2021 with degrees in both Political Science and Psychology. Now a Press Assistant for the Executive Office of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Gabby shares how she found a community at Michigan State University that allowed to be true to herself while she found the career path right for her.
Two PLS students chosen for the 2021-22 MSU Homecoming Court
June 6, 2021
The Michigan State University Homecoming Court is one of the highest honors for MSU seniors. Ten Spartan students, including two Political Science majors, have been carefully chosen from a highly qualified group of candidates to serve on the 2021-2022 Homecoming Court. These students represent the diversity and richness of the MSU experience and will serve as exceptional role models and Spartan ambassadors.
MSU PLS moves up two spots in Shanghai Rankings
May 26, 2021
MSU Political Science is pleased to share that the program has advanced two spots in the international rankings of Political Science departments to 41 out of 400, as measured by the Shanghai Ranking.
Young Alumni Spotlight: Manny Alalouf
May 13, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Manny Alalouf is a 2018 graduate of the College of Social Science. A Political Science major and Social Science Scholar, Manny joined alumni mentor Doug Scott at Movement Search & Delivery Company as a headhunter.
Dr. Ana Bracic receives Harriman Rothschild Book Prize Honorable Mention
May 10, 2021
Dr. Bracic's book "Breaking the Exclusion Cycle: How to Promote Cooperation between Majority and Minority Ethnic Groups" was named Honorable Mention for the prize by the Association for the Study of Nationalities World Convention.
MSU PLS welcomes Dr. Jenny Wolak
May 9, 2021
Dr. Wolak is moving to MSU from the University of Colorado. Her research interests include political psychology and public opinion.
MSU PLS bids farewell to Drs. Jakana Thomas and Benjamin Appel
May 6, 2021
Associate Professors Jakana Thomas and Benjamin Appel have accepted positions at the University of California-San Diego. We wish them the very best!
Brannon, Bichay awarded Spring PhD Awards
May 5, 2021
MSU PLS is pleased to announce that PhD students Lizzie Brannon and Nicolas Bichay have been awarded the PhD Awards for 2021.
Dr. Matt Grossmann and IPPSR secure Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Michigan grant
May 4, 2021 - Cindy Kyle, Matt Grossmann
Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research has secured a key grant supporting a new initiative instilling racial equity in all aspects of IPPSR’s policy education, political leadership development and survey research.
Two MSU PLS seniors win Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize
May 3, 2021
MSU PLS graduating seniors Janet Ibarra and Jasmine Jordan are two of three undergraduates to be named the 2021 recipients of the Richard Lee Featherstone Endowed Prize.
MSU PLS senior featured as the 2021 Student Commencement Speaker
May 2, 2021
Selva Haidar, the 2021 Student Commencement Speaker for the College of Social Science at Michigan State University, has this message for her classmates. Selva majored in Political Science and Human Capital & Society.
Dr. Sarah Reckhow and PhD student Aliyah Mcilwain win AAPOR award
April 29, 2021
The American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) recently announced that PhD student Aliyah Mcilwain and Associate Professor Dr. Sarah Reckhow are among four teams receiving the 2021 Student-Faculty Diversity Pipeline Award.
Two MSU PLS research teams win WLI Tomlanovich Research Equity Awards
April 22, 2021 - Liz Schondelmayer
Research teams Dr. Nazita Lajevardi and undergraduate student Jasmine Jordan, and Dr. Cristina Bodea and Dr. Andrew Kerner with undergraduate students Zac Ozormoor and Lillian Meng are the winners of the inaugural 2021 Women's Leadership Institute Tomlanovich Equity Research Fund.
Former Malawi President Joyce Banda discusses female political leadership with Dr. Michael Wahman
April 21, 2021
In this interview with MSU Today with Russ White, Dr. Michael Wahman, Assistant Professor of Political Science, discusses his conversations with Malawi's first female president, Joyce Banda.
MGSP Spotlight: Bailey Tjolsen
April 20, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Political Science senior Bailey Tjolsen.
MGSP Spotlight: Douglas Dallich Jr.
April 13, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Douglas Dallich Jr., a Political Science junior and one of the inaugural recipients of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship.
Dr. Nura Sediqe to join MSU PLS in 2022
April 11, 2021
MSU PLS is pleased to announce that Dr. Sediqe, currently a Postdoctoral Research Associate & Lecturer at Princeton University, will join the department as an Assistant Professor of Minority Politics.
MSU PLS pleased to announce the hiring of Andrew Halterman
April 8, 2021
Mr. Halterman, PhD candidate at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, will join the faculty of political methodology.
MSU PLS alumna honored with Bryce Harlow Award
April 6, 2021 - Karessa Weir
MSU Political Science alumna Brenda Larsen Becker has some advice for today's PLS students: “First of all, it’s about building relationships and networking. Don’t wait – it’s not all about bookwork. It’s important to study and get good grades but it’s about internships, building your resume and getting involved on campus and in campaigns,” Ms. Becker said. “It’s great that you played lacrosse – that’s leadership and teamwork – but what have you done that shows your interest in this world?”
MGSP Spotlight: Devin Dudley
April 6, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight feature is Devin Dudley! Devin is a senior PLS major working with state Sen. Lana Theis.
MGSP Spotlight: Philip Schichtel
March 30, 2021
This week, we shine the spotlight on Michigan Government Semester Program participant Philip Schichtel, a senior studying political science with a peace and justice studies minor. Philip is interning with state Sen. Sean McCann, D-20.
LeFrak Forum to be held virtually April 8-10 to discuss “Freedom of Speech and Intellectual Diversity on Campus”
March 28, 2021
The freedom of speech is one of Americans’ fundamental civil rights but how often is that right abridged on college campuses? Even when all speech is welcomed in academia, how often is only one perspective heard? Over three days in April, political science, law and policy experts will debate “Freedom of Speech and Intellectual Diversity on Campus” during the LeFrak Forum on Science, Reason, and Modern Democracy’s 31st Annual Program.
MSU PLS Summer 2021 Classes
March 24, 2021
MSU PLS is pleased to announce a wide variety of Summer Classes for 2021, including Political Science and ISS courses.
MGSP Spotlight: Nia Skinner-Miller
March 23, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Nia Skinner-Miller, a World Politics junior placed with Rep. Abraham Aiyash.
MGSP Spotlight: Alec Poland
March 16, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Political Science Pre-Law junior Alec Poland.
All Politics is Personalized
March 14, 2021 - Erica Frantz
MSU PLS Dr. Erica Frantz discusses how political leaders around the world have amassed power by weakening their parties and may have permanently harmed democracy in Foreign Policy.
MGSP Spotlight: Andrew Thatcher
March 10, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Andrew Thatcher, who is interning with the City of Lansing Clerk's Office.
MGSP Spotlight: Mark Blinn
March 3, 2021
This week's Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Mark Blinn, an active-duty veteran studying Political Science and Anthropology at Michigan State University in his senior class.
MGSP Spotlight: Dylan Gebhard
February 24, 2021
This week we are featuring a profile of Michigan Government Semester Program participant Dylan Gebhard. Dylan is interning at the Michigan House of Representatives Democratic Caucus.
MGSP Spotlight: Anaria Rambus
February 17, 2021
Our first Michigan Government Semester Program Spotlight is Anaria Rambus, senior majoring in Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Human Behavior and Social Services.
Janet Yellen will be the first female treasure secretary in the U.S. Why are so few women in top economic posts?
February 10, 2021 - Andrew Kerner, Ha Eun Choi and Cristina Bodea
MSU PLS Associate Professor Dr. Cristina Bodea, Research Associate Andrew Kerner and PhD student Ha Eun Choi analyzed why so few women are in top finance positions and how the pandemic may change for The Washington Post.
MSU PLS Senior Jasmine Jordan wins prestigious Gates-Cambridge Scholarship
February 8, 2021
Michigan State University senior Jasmine Jordan, an Honors College Political Science senior who grew up in Detroit, has been named as a Gates-Cambridge Scholar.
PLS Students Featured in College Scholarship Highlights
February 2, 2021
PLS majors Gabby Kindig and Kendel Vasser were recently featured in videos created by the College of Social Science to highlight scholarship award winners.
Pete Buttigieg may not know this yet: Rail transportation funding is a racial equity issue.
February 1, 2021 - Sarah Reckhow, Kate Lowe and Andrea Benjamin
MSU PLS Associate Professor Sarah Reckhow writes about how federal transportation policy still fosters racial inequity in the Washington Post's Monkey Cage blog.
Capitol mob wasn’t just angry white men – there were angry white women as well
January 22, 2021 - Dr. Jakana Thomas
The terror inflicted on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6 laid bare America’s problem with violent extremism. The FBI and other law enforcement agencies have begun to piece together the events of that day, while attempting to thwart any impending attacks. Scores of people have been arrested and charged over the attack – the vast majority being men. In the wake of these events, there were stories attributing the violence and destruction to “white male rage” “violent male rage” and “angry white men.” But what about the women?
MSU Political Science faculty discuss the Jan. 6 events at the U.S. Capitol
January 18, 2021
Faculty from the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University seek to understand the events and violence of January 6 and help our community navigate contrasting claims of what these events represent and mean for the future of U.S. democracy. Four faculty experts on democratization, authoritarianism, and electoral and political violence share how they view of what just happened and what immediate or long-term challenges they think it might pose to U.S. democracy. Moderated by PLS Chair Corwin Smidt, panelists include Drs. Erica Frantz, Christian Houle, Jakana Thomas and Michael Wahman.
MGSP Announces First Scholarship Winners
January 13, 2021
The Michigan Government Semester Program is pleased to announce the winners of the first MGSP Scholarships.