Pi Sigma Alpha

Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society, was established at the University of Texas in 1920. It is the only national honor society for college and university students of government. There are currently 621 chapters of Pi Sigma Alpha around the United States, including the Kappa Phi chapter at Grand Valley State University. https://www.apsanet.org/~psa/

Initiation into to Pi Sigma Alpha is a prestigious award for upper division students who have demonstrated consistent excellence in political science and related majors and minors. Initiation into Pi Sigma Alpha also establishes one's eligibility to participate in Pi Sigma Alpha scholarship and internship grant programs, and to publish research in the Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics. For information about eligibility requirements and campus activities contact Paul J. Cornish, Advisor to the Kappa Phi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, at (616) 331-3502 or [email protected].

PLS Alumni Spotlights

Jordan Meagher Spotlight

Jordan Meagher

Parks Planner for Metro Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee

Audrey Tappenden Spotlight

Audrey Tappenden

Economic Development Director, City of Coldwater

Reginald Oates Spotlight

Reginald Oates

Program Evaluator for Government-funded Programs

Jacob Simon Spotlight

Jacob Simon

Lawyer and Adjunct Professor at Michigan State University College of Law

Abby Oliver McCarthy Spotlight

Abby Oliver McCarthy

Member Engagement Coordinator, Illinois Senate Republican Caucus

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News

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Robach attends the National Conference of the World Affairs Council as a Student Scholar

Olivia Robach (PLS and IR double major) earned a scholarship to join student scholars from around the US to attend the annual conference of the World Affairs Council in Washington, DC in November 2025.

Dec 3, 2025

Kilburn Publishes New Book

Kilburn Publishes New Book

This spring, Dr. Whitt Kilburn, Associate Professor of Political Science at Grand Valley State University, published Introduction to Political Analysis in R through Chapman and Hall/CRC.

Sep 12, 2025

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS and IR Alumni Starting Law School

PLS alum William Thompson is attending law school at the University of Michigan

Sep 12, 2025

Diven Honored with Award

Diven Honored with Award

Professor Polly Diven received the 2025 Hillman-Orr Award from the World Affairs Council of West Michigan.

Jun 23, 2025

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

Avabella Madison awarded the Batchelder Political Science Scholarship

The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.

May 13, 2025

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Events

Student Scholars Day 2026 (INT 100/201 approved)

April 8, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The Center for Undergraduate Scholar Engagement, the Office of Undergraduate Research and Scholarship (OURS) and the Student Scholars Day Faculty Planning Committee are thrilled to welcome you to the...

Tabling in Kirkhof Center on Student Scholars Day: Opportunities for Summer Internships and Post-Graduation Work and Service

April 8, 2026 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Come join us on the 30th Annual Student Scholars Day in the Kirkhof Center Lobby to explore opportunities for summer internships and post-graduation work and service. Tabling in the main Kirkhof Center...

The Spy and the State: The History of American Intelligence

April 9, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Public debates about intelligence and surveillance have long reflected a tension between security and liberty in American democracy. Join us for a conversation with historian Jeff Rogg, who studies...

Erased Histories: Violence Against Mexican Americans

April 13, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

This event explores the history of racialized violence against Mexican and Mexican American communities. Through a screening of Porvenir, Texas, and a guided discussion, we will examine...

From Idea to Action: Conversations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs- Salon and Shop Talk

April 14, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

From Idea to Action: Conversations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs- Salon and Shop Talk A roundtable for barbers, cosmetologists, and other personal care professionals who are thinking about business...

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Page last modified June 21, 2018