Erin (Meteer) Hendges
Campaign Fundraiser Founds Consulting Firm
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
Hannah Patrick
Contracts Administrator for Integrated Health Partners
Kara Cook
Director of Legislative Affairs, Office of the Governor, State of Michigan
Reginald Oates
Program Evaluator for Government-funded Programs
Kirsten Zeiter
Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist for the U.S. State Departments Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA).
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
March 11, 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...
Alumni Webinar: Craft a Winning Resume with Abby Priebe
March 17, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Resume questions are one of the number one reasons Lakers reach out for career support. In the age of AI and ATS, how can you make your resume stand out? In this interactive workshop, we'll...
GVSU Night- Washington Wizards vs. Detroit Pistons
March 17, 2026 7:00 PM
Join the D.C. Alumni Network to watch the Washington Wizards take on the Detroit Pistons! Enjoy a fun evening out and catch up with fellow Grand Valley alumni in the D.C. area. Tickets are $24 per...
Elect Her (INT 100 approved)
March 19, 2026 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Running Start, the non-profit organization that runs the Elect Her program, brings campaign training and real-world experiences from currently-elected officials to college campuses across the U.S....
See Jane Run: How Women Politicians Matter for Young People
March 19, 2026 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Women elected to public office not only shape policy but also influence young people’s ideas about leadership and democracy. Join us for an engaging conversation with political scientist Christina...