Shaun Brodie
Senior Staff Attorney for the Benefits Review Board at the U.S. Department of Labor.
Study Abroad
Political Science students are strongly encouraged to take advantage of GVSU's many study abroad opportunities.
Click here for our helpful Study Abroad Guide for PLS
Also, check out GVSU's Padnos International Center an incredible resource for students contemplating study abroad.
The GVSU Political Science department has recently developed a GVSU Partnership Student Exchange program with two universities in Perugia, Italy, the sister city of Grand Rapids. Students are expected to have completed the equivalent of four semesters of Italian language to participate. Click here for more information.
PLS Alumni Spotlights
Kara Cook
Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Governor, State of Michigan
Maro Houhanisin
Attorney for Probate, Estate Planning and Domestic Relations
Quinlyn Mork
Studying Abroad in Ghana
Rebekah Bakker
Business Development Manager at Custer, Inc.
News
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
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 alum William Thompson is attending law school at the University of Michigan
Sep 12, 2025
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
The Political Science Department is pleased to recognize Avabella Madison as our Batchelder Scholar for the 2025-2026 academic year.
May 13, 2025
Events
Non-Profit Volunteer & Internship Fair
September 10, 2026 1:00 PM
Looking to Make a Difference or Gain Real-World Experience? Explore dozens of meaningful volunteer and internship opportunities at the Non-Profit Volunteer and Internship Fair at KIRKHOF CENTER NORTH...
Work Reimagined: AI & Immersive Tech
September 10, 2026 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Gather with fellow alumni for a hands-on generative AI experience and discussion on emerging technologies like AI and Virtual Reality. At this free event, you'll learn more about how these innovations...
Astronauts for America: Vote for Freedom (INT 100/201 Approved)
September 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Astronauts for America, a nonpartisan organization of former NASA astronauts, is coming to GVSU! Celebrate National Voter Registration Day by hearing astronaut John Herrington, PhD, Cdr. USN (ret)...
Coffee and Camaraderie
September 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Join students, faculty, staff, and alumni for Coffee and Camaraderie! Connect with members of the Military and Veteran Faculty and Staff Association, Laker Vets, and the Military and Veterans Resource...
National Voter Registration Day
September 15, 2026 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Join us at the Cook-Carillon Clock Tower for a voter registration celebration. There will be yard games, popcorn, music, and partners from the Michigan Department of State to help you get registered...