Reginald Oates
Program Evaluator for Government-funded Programs
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
Ted Woodcock
City Planner/Zoning Administrator for the City of Norton Shores, Michigan
Hannah Patrick
Contracts Administrator for Integrated Health Partners
Joshua Lunger
Vice President of Government Affairs, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.
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
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...
Don Williams Celebration of Life - Ceremony & Lucheon
May 16, 2026 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
The man who mentored countless students and was largely responsible for establishing Grand Valley's Office of Multicultural Affairs died in late March, leaving behind a legacy worthy of a "Giant." Donald...
GVSU Cornhole Tournament 2026
May 19, 2026 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Join us for the 6th Annual GVSU Cornhole Tournament! Registration is free — just pick a teammate and a team name. All GVSU faculty, staff, and students are eligible to participate. The first...
From Idea to Action: Conversations for Aspiring Entrepreneurs- Care to Career: Care Based and Community Centered Ventures
May 19, 2026 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
A conversation for people interested in care based and community centered ventures. This includes home based childcare providers, early learning centers, youth programs, family support organizations,...
Sales Lab Showcase
May 19, 2026 4:00 PM - 5:30 PM
Join fellow alumni for a tour of the Seidman College of Business' Experiential Learning and Sales Lab. This innovative space gives students the opportunity to take their learning beyond the classroom...