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Alumni Spotlight: Aaron Stephens
February 21, 2025
Aaron Stephens earned a Political Science degree in 2018. But even as a student, he was already making headlines when he ran for and won a seat on the East Lansing City Council in 2017.
Firing civil servants and dismantling government departments is how aspiring strongmen consolidate personal power – lessons from around the globe
February 20, 2025 - Erica Frantz
With the recent confirmations of Tulsi Gabbard and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. – two of the most controversial of President Donald Trump’s high-level administration nominees – the president’s attempt to remake government as a home for political loyalists continues.
Dean's Research Associate Angie Torres-Beltran wins multiple awards for dissertation papers
February 19, 2025
The International Studies Association announced their 2024-2025 awards this week and included three awards for MSU PLS Dean's Research Associate Angie Torres-Beltran.
Alumni Spotlight: Charley Willison
January 31, 2025 - Emily Johnson
Alumna Charley Willison is an award-winning author, with her book, Ungoverned and Out of Sight: Public Health and the Political Crisis of Homelessness in the United States (Oxford University Press, 2021), evaluating supportive housing policies. She received the Dennis Judd Best Book Award in 2022 from the American Political Science Association's Urban and Local Politics Section.
PLS students shine in Diversity Research Showcase
January 29, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Hosted annually by the MSU Honors College, the Diversity Research Showcase features a broad range of work focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion from undergraduate students university-wide. This year’s showcase featured over 60 students across 12 of MSU’s degree-granting colleges.
Diversity Spotlight: Daniel Baum
January 23, 2025 - Emily Jodway
Holocaust Remembrance Day is on January 27, and throughout the month we honor and remember those who were impacted by the Holocaust and its aftermath. Our Access Spotlight this month is on Daniel Baum, an Attorney at the Jones Day law firm in Detroit, and a proud alumnus of the College of Social Science with degrees in Public Policy and Jewish Studies. His maternal grandparents both are survivors of the Holocaust. Baum has spent extensive time researching and documenting their experiences, and frequently works with the Zekelman Holocaust Center in Farmington Hills to pass on the story of their resilience and how we can continue to speak out and stand up for others in the face of injustice everywhere.
Afrobarometer celebrates 25 years at Michigan State University
January 17, 2025 - Karessa Weir
In 1999, MSU Political Science Professor Michael Bratton worked with Robert Mattes and E. Gyimah-Boadi to merge three independent survey research projects to form the Afrobarometer, a survey program designed to give a voice to “ordinary African citizens.”
Students get a glimpse at "real life" in Careers in PLS class
January 15, 2025 - Karessa Weir
A new course this Fall – Careers in PLS (PLS 392) – gave undergraduate students new opportunities to prepare to take on law school, graduate school, the business world, or just "real life" after college.
MSU College of Social Science remembers the wisdom, mentorship and generosity of alumnus Burton Gerber
January 9, 2025 - Karessa Weir
When Burton Gerber earned his international relations degree from Michigan State University in 1955, he signed up for a job that was cloaked in secrecy. But throughout a high profile and influential career with the Central Intelligence Agency, he never hid his love for being a Spartan.
Two Social Science students who "exemplify civility” awarded the Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarships
January 9, 2025 - Karessa Weir
MSU PLS senior Jerome Hamilton Jr. and Economics major Sumaiya Imad were recently named the 2024 recipients of the Jon & Tina Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarship.
A Spartan fan since childhood, MSU PLS alumnus Jack Katosh endows four new scholarships for Political Science undergraduate students
January 7, 2025 - Karessa Weir
Jack Katosh's experience with studying US politics, expertise in survey research, and participation in ROTC are reflected in the four awards he created for Political Science students.
MPP students awarded Ira Polley Scholarships
December 20, 2024
Two MSU Political Science Master of Public Policy students have been awarded Ira Polley Memorial Scholarships for their exceptional work both inside and outside the classroom.
Three PLS fall graduates achieve a perfect 4.0 GPA
December 19, 2024
Three PLS seniors are graduating this semester with perfect 4.0 grade point averages, earning them the Board of Trustees award.
PLS graduating senior chosen to carry the College of Social Science flag at commencement
December 16, 2024
Political Science Scholar and Pre-Law major Noah Socha received the honor to be the flag bearer for MSU’s College of Social Science during the fall semester commencement ceremony.
PLS senior Jerome Hamilton nominated to the Gaither fellowship
December 12, 2024 - Anneliese Mackel
Michigan State University has nominated one student for the nationally competitive James C. Gaither Junior Fellows Program- PLS senior Jerome Hamilton Jr.
Student view: From harvesting crops to reshaping narratives
December 11, 2024 - Luz Vazquez
Luz Vazquez is a first-generation student studying public policy at the College of Social Science who is graduating a semester early this fall. Vazquez is the daughter of migrant farmers from Mulberry, Florida.
Ask the experts: Breaking down the 2024 presidential and Michigan statewide election results
November 25, 2024 - Jack Harrison
The 2024 election is over, and many have shifted their focus and discussions to what policies the incoming administration will implement. Although some may be ready to move on, it’s important to explore explanations for the outcome and how different demographic voters impacted the results in Michigan and across the country. The trends and explanations for 2024 can help predict what’s next and what future candidates must do to win elections. Michigan State University’s political science experts including Matt Grossmann, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, as well as Nura Sediqe and Meghan Wilson, assistant professors in the Department of Political Science followed the election closely. Here, they answer questions about how these trends and key demographic groups impacted the outcome.
MSU political scientists analyze the presidential outcome and Michigan’s statewide election results
November 18, 2024 - Russ White
Experts from MSU’s Department of Political Science break down the presidential outcome and Michigan’s statewide election results with podcaster Russ White. These guests include Matt Grossmann, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research (IPPSR) and professor of American Politics; Nura Sediqe, assistant professor and a core faculty member in the Muslim Studies Program; and Meghan Wilson, assistant professor of American Politics.
PLS senior introduces Vice President Harris at MSU rally
November 14, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Introducing U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris before her East Lansing rally was not an honor that Sedrick Huff ever expected, even after he spent months campaigning for the Democratic presidential candidate.
1855 Professorships: A new era of innovation and excellence at MSU
November 12, 2024
MSU’s first cohort of 1855 Professors aims to elevate underrepresented communities — on campus and beyond
MSU PLS students, faculty awared PURI grants
November 11, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Several MSU PLS students have been given Provost's Undergraduate Research Initiative (PURI) Awards to support their work with faculty.
Ask the expert: The constituencies who will determine Michigan’s election results
November 4, 2024
Nazita Lajevardi is an associate professor in the Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science. She is an expert in American politics, and her work focuses mainly on issues related to race and ethnic politics, political behavior, voting rights and immigration. Here, she answers questions on key groups of voters and the issues they care about that could determine who wins Michigan — and likely who will win the presidency.
MSU research suggests party affiliation is main voter cue, but candidate identity matters
October 22, 2024 - Jack Harrison
The presidential election is just weeks away, and the matchup between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump is historic in so many ways. In one instance, a former president was renominated but faces conviction on 34 felony counts of business fraud, and in the other instance, a vice president replaced her party’s standing president as the presidential nominee after the Democratic primary concluded.
Applications now open for second round of the Jon & Tina Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarship fund
October 18, 2024 - Karessa Weir
For the second year, students are invited to apply for the Jon & Tina Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarship fund, designed to inspire MSU students who want to give back to their communities. And this year they have twice the chance to receive a $1,500 scholarship as the Lynch family doubled the number of scholarships they will give.
Student View: Building community and finding empowerment at MSU
October 17, 2024
2024 Homecoming Court Member Abigail Rodriguez shares what it means to be a Spartan during National Hispanic Heritage Month
Three PLS students nominated for Rhodes Scholars
October 15, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Three of the six Michigan State University nominees for this year’s U.S. Rhodes Scholarship is earning a Political Science degree from the College of Social Science. Jerome Hamilton Jr., Belma Hodžić and Abigail Rodriguez were each nominated for the prestigious scholarship.
PLS professor launches Election Madness game to engage college students in 2024 election
September 27, 2024 - Jack Harrison
Eric Juenke, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, has launched an election prediction game in which participants make choices in 24 key national races. Juenke first created the game — Election Madness — during the 2020 election with Matt Grossmann, director of MSU’s Institute for Public Policy, and is offering an updated version for the upcoming election.
Three MSU PLS students nominated for Marshall Scholarship
September 26, 2024
Michigan State University has nominated six undergraduate students and two alumni for the Marshall Scholarship, including three Political Science majors. The Marshall Scholarship provides support to approximately 50 of the most outstanding undergraduates in the country to study at any university in the United Kingdom. MSU has produced 20 Marshall Scholars to date.
MSU Men’s Basketball Coach Tom Izzo shares insights on leadership, hard work and remembering your roots at this year’s Blanchard Forum on Public Service.
September 26, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU Men's Basketball Head Coach Tom Izzo is "our lighthouse" said former Michigan Gov. Jim Blanchard as he presented him with the Spartan Statesmanship Award for Distinguished Public Service on Tuesday Sept. 24 at the Wharton Center for Performing Arts.
MSU PLS welcomes new PhD student Drayton Willey
September 23, 2024 - Emily Johnson
Drayton Willey joined MSU PLS as a University Distinguished Fellow after graduating from Emporia State University.
MSU Social Scientists join forces to study homelessness at MSU
September 19, 2024 - Diane Huhn
Stephen Przybylinski, an assistant professor in the Department of Geography, Environment, and Spatial Sciences, and John Kuk, an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at Michigan State University, were recently awarded funding from the Institute for Public Policy and Social Research through its 2024-25 Public Policy Grant program to study student homelessness. The study will survey student rates of homelessness and housing insecurity for Michigan State students, as well as examine factors leading to homelessness and housing insecurity. They will begin the study during the fall semester and plan to have a report and news brief to share during the spring term.
Nikolaos Frantzeskakis wins the Lynne Rienner Best Dissertation Award
September 10, 2024
The African Politics Conference Group award committee attributed the Lynne Rienner Best Dissertation Award to MSU PLS alumnus Nikolaos Frantzeskakis (now at University of Birmingham) for his dissertation titled "Speaking of Home: Local Representation and Re-Election in Africa"
Tom Izzo to speak at the Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum
September 5, 2024 - Becky Jensen
Tom Izzo, Men’s Basketball Coach for Michigan State University, will be Governor Jim Blanchard’s special guest at the Blanchard Public Service Forum on Tuesday September 24th. The conversational Q and A style event begins at 730pm at the Wharton Center in East Lansing.
PLS alum offers D.C. internship scholarships
September 3, 2024
Larsen-Becker DC Study Away Award Up to $10,000 Scholarship Opportunity: Available for undergraduate students at Michigan State University looking to expand their educational horizons through study away in Washington, DC. Application Deadline: September 20th, 2024. Ensure all parts of your application are complete and accurate to be considered.
Meet Flintern Jordyn Peterson
August 28, 2024
Jordyn Peterson was thrilled to be selected as an intern in Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office this summer. As a pre-law MSU PLS senior, she is interested in all aspects of the justice system.
Two PLS alumni win Fulbright U.S. Student Awards
August 26, 2024
Two Public Policy graduates are among the 10 MSU students offered Fulbright U.S. Student Program grants for the 2024-2025 academic year.
Is democracy in Africa at risk?
August 22, 2024 - Carolyn Logan and Rorisang Lekalake
Dr. Carolyn Logan writes for Good Authority that new Afrobarometer data show citizens want more democratic governance than they are getting.
Student Spotlight with ASMSU president and PLS Major Connor Le
August 2, 2024 - Patti McDonald
Connor Le, a senior majoring in history and political science (with a minor in law, justice, and public policy), was recently named the President of the Associated Students of Michigan State University (ASMSU). We sat down with Connor to talk about his goals for the upcoming semester, his love for helping people, and what led him to run for student body president.
Flawed research into election fraud can undermine democracy and intensify polarization
July 31, 2024 - Dr. John Kuk
A study by MSU PLS Assistant Professor John Kuk published in the peer-reviewed journal Public Opinion Quarterly in July 2024, looked at the impact of academic claims of electoral fraud in the 2020 South Korean general election. It found that bad electoral science can cause lasting harm to democracy, undermining public confidence in the voting process.
MSU PLS senior learning the ropes at Genesee County Clerk's Office
July 29, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Daniel Baker’s great-grandmother was from Flint so the Political Science Pre-Law senior’s attention was caught when he saw the opportunity to fulfill his experiential learning requirement in a place close to his home and his heart.
PLS Migrant Farmworker Students secure national internship opportunities
July 25, 2024 - Luz Vazquez
As Michigan honors Migrant and Seasonal Farmwork Appreciation Month this July, the College Assistance Migrant Program, or CAMP, reaches a new milestone with nine CAMP students - two of them PLS majors - interning nationally. Each student overcame many challenges with resilience and determination to achieve these experiential opportunities.
London Study Abroad 2024: Human rights, Oxford debates, the BBC and much more
July 3, 2024
MSU Political Science Study Abroad program participants have returned from the United Kingdom after an event-filled trip. Led by PLS Professor Dr. Michael Wahman, "British Politics and Society" was based in London and included side trips to Brighton, Cardiff and Oxford.
Central banks face threats to their independence − and that isn’t good news for sound economic stewardship (or battling inflation)
June 14, 2024 - Cristina Bodea and Ana Carolina Garriga
Nearly every country in the world has a central bank – a public institution that manages a country’s currency and its monetary policy. And these banks have an extraordinary amount of power. By controlling the flow of money and credit in a country, they can affect economic growth, inflation, employment and financial stability – all things that can, if played right, provide politicians with economic boosts around election time, only to saddle the economy with problems further down the line.
PLS Academic Advisor wins College Student Impact Award
May 29, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Krista Zeig was chosen by the College of Social Science Dean's Student Advisory Council as the recipient of the 2024 Student Impact Award. This award recognizes an advisor for the positive impact they have on students in the college.
Dr. Melinda Gann Hall receives Lifetime Achievement Award, emerita status
May 21, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Political Science Professor Melinda Gann Hall is receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Law and Courts Section of the American Political Science Association this fall, on the heels of attaining Professor Emerita status at Michigan State University.
PLS PhD students win Diversity Fellowships
May 20, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Three PLS PhD students have been named as 2024-2025 American Political Science Association Diversity Fellowship Program recipients during the spring 2024 application cycle. These fellows are currently in the first or second year of PhD programs in Political Science.
Diversity Torch: Megan Smejkal
May 16, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Megan Smejkal is a senior majoring in political science, economics and history. She is the Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer for the MSU Residence Halls Association, Cultural Vogue Chair for the Asian Pacific American Student Organization, President of the Professional Asian Student Organization, and a member of the Women’s Leadership Institute. Originally an adoptee from Korea, Megan grew up in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
MSU PLS class launches Lansing Citizens Manual to inspire and inform young people to get involved in policy and government
May 6, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Sarah Reckhow’s Civic Education and Local Democracy class this spring was a hybrid of undergraduates and students in the department’s Master of Public Policy graduate program. The group of 18 students used a blueprint from Detroit to create the website Lansing Citizens Manual (lansingcitizen.com). It is targeted at teens and young people who are interested in becoming more knowledgeable and active in their community.
MSU PLS welcomes new Dean's Research Associate
May 1, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Angie Torres-Beltran is currently a PhD Candidate in the Department of Government at Cornell University and a Predoctoral Fellow with the Center for U.S.-Mexican Studies at the University of California, San Diego; Research Fellow in the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School; and a United States Institute of Peace Scholar. She is a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow and a Research Affiliate with the Gender and Security Sector Lab and the Eliminating Violence Against Women Lab. Torres Beltran’s research examines the political causes and consequences of gender-based violence, with an emphasis on political behavior and institutions in conflict-affected countries. She also studies the role of domestic and international actors on violence and the intersection of gender, public opinion, and civic engagement.
PLS Outstanding Senior 2024 is Malcom Charles
April 18, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Graduating PLS senior Malcom Charles has been “an ambassador for the department” in his four years at Michigan State University, and it is for that reason – among many others – that Dr. Eric Gonzalez Juenke nominated him as the Political Science Outstanding Senior.
Two PLS students win first place for their research at UURAF
April 17, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Political Science students Lola Browne and Jerome Hamilton Jr both brought home first place awards in this year’s University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF).
Political Science Pre-Law senior Michael Conte wins Undergraduate Research Award
April 16, 2024 - Karessa Weir
For his research on foreign direct investment, asymmetric political rhetoric and several other areas, Michael Conte has been named the recipient 2024 Political Science Undergraduate Research Award.
PLS alums inspire and advise undergrads: “The world is a huge place. You will find your path.”
April 16, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Christine Mason Soneral, senior vice president and general counsel for ITC Holdings, joined together with fellow PLS alum Steve Faulkner, Managing Director and head of Private Business Advisory in J.P. Morgan Private Bank’s Advice Lab, for a networking event in Political Science’s Careers in PLS Series.
PLS Undergraduate Assistance Award goes to Paige Strawska
April 15, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Political Science Pre-law senior Paige Strawska has been awarded the 2024 Political Science Undergraduate Assistance Award for her research into Chinese politics.
Diversity Champion: Dr. Nura Sediqe
April 10, 2024 - Emily Jodway
Dr. Nura Sedique is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Political Science and a core faculty member in the Muslim Studies program. Her research focuses on the intersections of race, religion and gender with political behavior and preferences.
PLS Public Service Award goes to senior Megan Smejkal
April 4, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Graduating Political Science senior Megan Smejkal has been awarded the department’s Public Service Award, announced department chair Dr. Jeff Conroy-Krutz.
MSU PLS student nominated for the prestigious Beinecke Scholarship
April 1, 2024
Michigan State University has nominated third-year student Abigail Rodriguez for the nationally competitive Beinecke Scholarship. Results of the scholarship competition will be announced in April.
MSU PLS Alumnus working to help victims of domestic violence
March 26, 2024 - Patti McDonald
Jacob Novak, a recent Michigan State University graduate who earned a double Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and History in three years, is already making a positive impact in the lives of others. Novak is now working as the domestic violence court administrative and pretrial compliance coordinator under the honorable Judge Cynthia Ward at the 54A District Court in Lansing.
Alumni Spotlight: Mikaylah Heffernan
March 24, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU PLS graduate Mikaylah Heffernan is the Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development’s legislative liaison. Heffernan previously worked as a House Democratic Policy Advisor for the Michigan House of Representatives, focusing on agriculture and natural resources.
PLS student creates "Las Alas Invisibles" exhibition recognizing migrant farmworkers
March 20, 2024 - Brigita Felkers and Luz Vazquez
Luz Vazquez currently studies political science and public policy in the College of Social Science and brings a dedication to advocating for migrant farmworker awareness, as she grew up in the community. She identified an opportunity to honor farmworkers and took it upon herself to explore how to share these important stories in an exhibition.
MSU PLS scholar nominated for the Udall Undergraduate Scholarship
March 12, 2024
Jerome Hamilton Jr., a third year Political Science Pre-Law student, is one of three Michigan State University students nominated for the prestigious Udall Undergraduate Scholarship.
PLS Scholar Jerome Hamilton Jr. named finalist for prestigious Truman Scholarship
March 5, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Jerome Hamilton Jr., third-year Political Science Pre-Law student, has been named a finalist for the Truman Scholarship.
Party or race: which matters more when voters cast their ballots?
March 1, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Racial identity may play a huge role in political discourse but when it comes to the ballot box, MSU PLS research has found that racial minority candidates have the same chance of succeeding as majority candidates. They may even have a slight advantage.
PLS Scholars explore politics, government and policy life at a Day at the Capitol
February 29, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Political Science Scholars got the chance to explore the halls of the state Capitol in Lansing and meet with high-level elected officials and policy makers at a renewed tradition - a Day at the Capitol.
Ask the expert: What a 2nd Trump term could mean for democracy and advancing policy
February 28, 2024 - Erica Frantz
The 2024 presidential election is squaring up to be a rematch of the 2020 presidential election between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. This comes as Trump continues his primary winning streak. He defeated his only remaining Republican challenger, Nikki Haley, in both South Carolina and Michigan, the most recent primaries ahead of Super Tuesday. As questions arise about how Trump would govern in a second term, some have called attention to what a Trump Administration could mean for American democracy.
Inaugural Lynch Scholarship awarded to Political Science senior Liz Armstrong
February 14, 2024 - Karessa Weir
MSU PLS senior Liz Armstrong is the first recipient of the Lynch Family Scholarship. She is studying Political Science and minoring in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, and also in her first year of the Linked Master of Public Policy program.
MGSP 2024 Spotlight: Alexis Ramirez
February 12, 2024
ALEXIS RAMIREZ is a first-generation college senior studying Political Science at Michigan State University with a minor in Business and Law, Justice, and Public Policy. He is from southwest Detroit and is a proud Latino. Alexis is passionate about giving back to the community, having volunteered at Cadillac Urban Gardens and Gleaners Food Bank in the past. He has previously interned with State Representative Tsernoglou and is now interning with US Congresswoman Slotkin. Alexis plans to have a public service career in government. He enjoys reading about current affairs, gaming, watching films, and sports. Alexis was a recipient of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship for 2024.
Two PLS Scholars nominated for prestigious Truman Scholarship
February 7, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Josie Danielkiewicz and Jerome Hamilton Jr., both third-year Political Science Pre-Law students, have been nominated for the Truman Scholarship.
MGSP 2024 Spotlight: Kendall Jones
February 7, 2024
Kendall Jones is a senior studying Political Science - Prelaw with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. She plans to attend law school in the Fall 2024. Kendall is from Muskegon, Michigan. She transferred to MSU from Muskegon Community College, where she spent two years playing college soccer. Kendall enjoys giving back to her community by volunteering at the Kids' Food Basket in Muskegon and the Greater Lansing Food Bank. She enjoys working out and spending time with friends and family in her free time. She is beyond excited to be a part of the MGSP this semester and to intern with Judge Rosemarie Aquilina. Kendall was a recipient of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship for 2024.
MGSP 2024 Spotlight: Souad Bazzi
February 5, 2024
SOUAD BAZZI is a rising junior at Michigan State University, studying Pre-law and Political Science with a minor in law, justice, and public policy. Growing up as a first-generation Lebanese American from her hometown, Dearborn, Michigan, Souad is deeply committed to inciting change in areas such as immigration rights, reproductive freedom, and bottom-up political advocacy. With a background in a grassroots political campaign, she gained experience in networking with a diverse range of people, directing community engagement, and navigating the complexities of local-level policy processes. Her ultimate goal is to pursue a career as a public defender and, someday, the House of Representatives to be an unwavering advocate for marginalized groups and the voice for the underrepresented. Outside of her academic endeavors, she enjoys yoga, reading, and playing with her two goldendoodles. Souad was a recipient of the Michigan Government Semester Program Scholarship for 2024.
Alumni Spotlight: Malik Washington
February 2, 2024
Malik Washington currently serves as City Council Liaison for the City of Detroit Mayor’s Office. Prior to his current role, he worked for the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) to support a variety of tasks related to statewide transit policy, travel trend analysis, and project development. Malik earned a Master of Public Policy degree from MSU in 2020. He also has a bachelor’s degree in public policy at MSU.
Why Trump’s control of the Republican Party is bad for democracy
January 30, 2024 - Dr. Erica Frantz
MSU PLS Associate Professor Erica Frantz wrote for The Conversation about former president Donald Trump and democracy.
PLS students shined in this year’s Diversity Research Showcase
January 25, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Students from MSU Political Science in the College of Social Scientists brought home awards at this year’s Diversity Research Showcase hosted by MSU Honors College. This annual university-wide showcase features MSU undergraduate student work or work in progress on issues of diversity that advance inclusion.
MSU PLS expands methods teaching with new assistant professor hire
January 24, 2024 - Karessa Weir
Dr. Marco Morucci has accepted an offer for a new position in computational social science with the MSU Department of Political Science.
Ask the expert: What an earlier primary means for Michigan and the 2024 election
January 24, 2024 - Jack Harrison
Matt Grossmann is the director of Michigan State University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, as well as a professor in the Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science. Grossmann is an expert in both state and national politics. He answers questions about how to understand different systems and the role Michigan will play in 2024.
MSU PLS sophomore is one of three award winners of a national social justice scholarship
November 28, 2023
Michigan State University sophomore Elaina Rankin’s interest in becoming a public defender bloomed when she was just a freshman at Avondale High School in Auburn Hills.
MSU PLS senior honored for his leadership skills as a first generation college student
November 22, 2023 - Karessa Weir
MSU Political Science Scholar Malcom Charles was recently awarded a First Generation Leadership Award.
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation, to speak at Michigan State University’s Governor Jim Blanchard Public Service Forum
October 31, 2023 - Becky Jensen
Pete Buttigieg, Secretary of Transportation will be former Governor Jim Blanchard’s special guest at his upcoming MSU Public Service Forum on November 29, 2023 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.
Voting Guides to East Lansing and Lansing elections created by Urban Politics students
October 29, 2023
Dr. Sarah Reckhow's Urban Politics class puts together the latest editions of their local voting guide.
MPP alumna to lead Michigan’s State Budget Office
October 25, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Jen Flood, who earned her Master of Public Policy in the MSU Department of Political Science in the College of Social Science, will lead the State Budget Office as its new director beginning in mid-November after Chris Harkins accepted a new position outside of state government.
Deadline approaching for Washington D.C. internship program application
October 24, 2023
MSU has partnered with The Washington Center (TWC) to provide students with hands-on experience in politics, policy, and governance during a semester-long internship spent in Washington D.C. This is a perfect way to apply your knowledge outside of the classroom and to make connections for your future career. Final application deadline is Nov. 1!
Advertising rental housing in Spanish puts off many potential renters
October 15, 2023 - Sophia Vento
Publishing an ad for an apartment or rental home in Spanish may seem like it would broaden the pool of potential renters, but new research by PLS assistant professor Dr. John Kuk shows it can harm rental-seekers’ perception of the property and its neighborhood.
MPP grad wins University Alumni Service Award
October 4, 2023 - Emily Jodway
Sarah Cantwell, along with her husband Matthew, received the Alumni Service Award, given to alumni who have demonstrated service to MSU and/or meritorious public service on a local, state, national or international level. Sarah earned her master’s in public administration from the Department of Political Science in 2005, while Matthew is a 2004 graduate of the Eli Broad College of Business. They are known as dedicated community leaders, philanthropists and Spartans.
MSU PLS student nominated for the Marshall Scholarship
September 26, 2023 - Emily Jodway
Political Science Scholar Megan Smejkal is one of 10 MSU students nominated for the prestigious Marshall Scholarship. Megan is majoring in Political Science, Economics and History in the College of Social Science. She is a graduate of Prospect High School in Mount Prospect, Illinois.
College of Social Science Young Alumni Award presented to Chayse Hurley and Elias Kokaly
September 21, 2023
Detroit InnovateGov Program Coordinator Chayse Hurley and Elias Kokaly, an Anti-Money Laundering Specialist, are this year's Young Alumni Awards from the College of Social Science.
College of Social Science alumni use scholarship to promote civility in public discourse
September 20, 2023 - Karessa Weir
When Tina and Jon Lynch were dating as undergraduate students at Michigan State University, they used to wander along the banks of the Red Cedar River and talk about their future and how they would give back to the university where they met. “Back then we would take walks in the neighborhood across the street from Rather Hall and along the Red Cedar, dreaming about what life had in store for us. Even then we hoped to one day give back to the place that had given so much to us,” Tina said. “For our family, Michigan State is more than a school - it’s our home.” More than 30 years later, the Lynchs, both College of Social Science alumni and residents of Midland, have have fulfilled that dream when they endowed the Jon & Tina Lynch Family Promoting Civility Scholarship fund.
MSU PLS well represented on Homecoming Court
September 19, 2023
Alyssa Konesky, Political Science major, and Devin Woodruff, Public Policy major, have been selected as members of the MSU Homecoming Court for 2023.
MPP students awarded Ira Polley Memorial Scholarships
August 31, 2023
Three MSU Political Science Master of Public Policy students have been awarded Ira Polley Memorial Scholarships for their exceptional work both inside and outside the classroom.
Intern Spotlight: Matt Sigers
August 17, 2023
As part of the Flint Study Away program, Matt Sigers has been working out of Flint City Hall since June 1. Among his favorite parts of the program has been the chance to get out into the community of Flint. He worked the City of Flint booth at this summer’s Harmony Festival, passing out information about different city programs and items like water filters.
Intern Spotlight: Jacob Pickett
August 10, 2023
"Political science student Jacob Pickett has been interning in the Office of Genesee County Clerk/Register of Deeds and is gaining firsthand knowledge of county government at work. Through his internship he is helping to revitalize the office of County Clerk/Register and put new practices in place to make residents experiences easier and more user friendly.”
Intern Spotlight: David Luc
August 3, 2023
Senior David Luc is interning with the Charles Stewart Mott Foundation as part of the Flint Study Away program.
Rate hikes may have slowed inflation in the US – but they have also heightened the risk of financial crises for lower-income nations
August 1, 2023 - Dr. Cristina Bodea
Dr. Cristina Bodea has written an article on the negative effects of the Federal Reserve's most recent hike has on developing countries.
PLS students share their research at Mid-SURE
July 31, 2023
The 2023 Mid-Michigan Symposium for Undergraduate Research Experiences was held July 26 in the STEAM Teaching and Learning Facility with more than 330 students presenting their research including several from the MSU Political Science department.
Research shows knowing personal details of politicians may reduce partisanship
July 9, 2023 - Karessa Weir
Will sharing a hobby or favorite movie make you like a politician more? The chances are pretty good, and it might even lead to a decrease in partisanship and division between political parties, found MSU Political Science Professor Jennifer Wolak.
PLS Professor and co-founder of LeFrak Forum, Dr. Arthur Melzer retires
June 20, 2023 - Dr. Dustin Sebell and Dick Zinman
Eminent political philosopher Dr. Arthur M. Melzer has retired from his positions of Political Science Professor and co-director of the LeFrak Forum Symposium on Science, Reason, and Modern Democracy.
PLS Faculty Earn Promotions
June 19, 2023
MSU Department of Political Science is pleased to share that two PSL professors earned promotions that were approved by the MSU Board of Trustees at their June meeting.
Student view: Summer, Juneteenth and family
June 13, 2023 - Angela Solomon
Angela Solomon is an undergraduate student pursuing dual degrees in broadcast journalism and political science pre-law. Currently serving as the chief diversity, equity and inclusion officer for the Associated Students of Michigan State University, she actively works toward creating an inclusive campus environment. Solomon also designed the 2023 artwork, “A Summer of Freedom,” for the third annual MSU Juneteenth Celebration.
PLS Spring Grad Reception 2023
May 30, 2023
The MSU Political Science Department honored students at their Spring Graduation Reception at the Broad Museum on May 5, 2023.
MGSP Spring Reception 2023 honors interns and celebrates supporters
May 25, 2023
MSU’s Department of Political Science and Michigan Government Semester Program celebrated the 22 students participating in the intensive internship program this Spring semester and thanked supporters of the program. We were delighted to have Senate Majority Leader, Winnie Brinks, join us as our Keynote Speaker.
PLS senior awarded College of Social Science Humanitarian Award
May 16, 2023
World Politics senior Zachary Zahrt has been awarded the College of Social Science Humanitarian Award for "providing support, aid and action designed to save lives, alleviate suffering and maintain and protect human dignity during and in the aftermath of crises."