Three MSU MPP students awarded Ira Polley Scholarships

September 21, 2026

The Ira Polley Memorial Scholarship stands as one of the premier honors for Master of Public Policy (MPP) students at Michigan State University. Established in memory of Dr. Ira Polley, a distinguished MSU Political Science Professor Emeritus, the award honors a 50-year career devoted to education and public leadership. Dr. Polley’s distinguished public service included roles as State Controller, State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Executive Director of the Council of State College Presidents, and Secretary to the Constitutional Convention Planning Commission. Today, his family continues to fund the scholarship, fostering the potential of emerging Spartan policy leaders. 
  
“Selecting this year’s awardees was a challenging task given the caliber of the MPP student body. Three scholars stood out for their outstanding academic performance, early professional achievements, and dedication to public service. Beyond excelling at their coursework, these students actively build community, uplift their peers, and exemplify the collaborative spirit of the MPP program,” said MPP Director Marty Jordan. 
  
Yayra Azaglo: Yayra, a native of Ghana, earned his BSc in Business Administration from Ashesi University. His research focuses on international political economy, specifically trade and fiscal policy, as he prepares to pursue a PhD. Yayra currently works with MSU’s Afrobarometer, a pan-African research network conducting public opinion surveys on democracy, governance, and economic policy across the continent. 
 
“Receiving the Ira Polley Memorial Scholarship is both an honor and a reminder of how much I have grown since beginning my MPP journey at Michigan State. Coming from a business and economics background, I entered the program with many questions about how economic and public policy decisions affect societies. My experiences in the classroom, through research, and in service to others have helped turn those questions into a deeper interest in public policy and public service. Beyond the recognition, this scholarship also provides meaningful financial relief and allows me to focus more fully on my studies, research, and professional development. I am sincerely grateful to the award donors and the selection committee, as well as to the incredible faculty and my classmates who have made my experience in the MPP program both memorable and fulfilling. 
 
Emmah Bashir: From Jackson, Michigan, Emmah earned a BS in Industrial and Labor Relations from Cornell University. Driven by a commitment to equity in education, she continues to serve as an academic and behavior support staffer for students with special needs in the Jackson School District. Emmah also interns with the Michigan Department of Education and helped coordinate the American Legion Auxiliary Michigan Girls State program, a week-long government and leadership simulation for high school students. 
 
“I am very grateful and honored to have been selected for the Ira Polley Memorial Scholarship. So much of what I have been able to accomplish is a result of the experiences and knowledge I have gained through the MPP program. I hope to carry those experiences forward and continue making a positive impact in public service,” Bashir said. 
  
Lucas Gravatt: From Saline, Michigan, Lucas earned his BA in Political Science from MSU. He serves as Constituent Services Director for a Representative in the Michigan House of Representatives, where he delivers practical, common-sense solutions for district residents. A champion of civic engagement, Lucas has spearheaded voter registration campaigns and previously received the Department of Political Science’s Public Service Award. 
 
“"It is an incredible honor and privilege to be selected as an Ira Polley Award Recipient. I am grateful to Dr. Jordan and the entire MPP program for the support that one must lean on to be truly successful in this field. Dr. Ira Polley set a standard of character, integrity, and kindness that I can only hope to aspire to, so it is a true honor to receive an award in his name," Gravatt said.  
  
Much like past Ira Polley scholars who have shaped public policy across the state, nation, and globe, these three leaders embody MSU’s core pledge: “Spartans Will.”