Jacob Johnston
Grant Writer and Case Manager
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
Derrick Mathis
Manager, State Government Affairs, Charter Communications
Erin (Meteer) Hendges
Campaign Fundraiser Founds Consulting Firm
Kyle Huisman
Research Analyst at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Jordan Meagher
Parks Planner for Metro Nashville and Davidson County, Tennessee
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
Toast to the Class of 2026
April 22, 2026 5:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Winter & Summer 2026 graduates, you're invited to join President Mantella and GVSU Alumni Relations to celebrate your graduation and what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime....
Toast to the Class of 2026
April 22, 2026 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Winter & Summer 2026 graduates, you're invited to join President Mantella and GVSU Alumni Relations to celebrate your graduation and what it means to be a Laker for a Lifetime....
Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Celebration of Graduates
April 30, 2026 5:00 PM - 7:30 PM
This spring, we are thrilled to celebrate the newest class of Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy Fellows. As our 2026 graduates prepare to enter the next season of life, we will gather to celebrate...
Laker Trivia
May 6, 2026 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Come test out your trivia knowledge with fellow Lakers! Join us for a fun evening of trivia and connecting with other Grand Valley alumni. Question topics will cover both GVSU and pop culture. Two...
Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session
May 13, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Are you interested in teaching English abroad? Are you curious about studying for a Master's degree abroad? The Fulbright program might be for you! Join me to learn more! For more Information...