Toby Hutchins
Assistant Director, TRIO Upward Bound, Hope College, and President, Fennville School Board
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
Megan Koops Fisher
Community Outreach Program Manager for Ready for School
Kyle Huisman
Research Analyst at the W.E. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research
Dorothy Sewe
Aids Refugee Relocation Efforts
Natalie Cleary
Brand Manager, Meijer
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
Events
Seidman College of Business Alumni Coffee Connections
October 23, 2026 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Gather with fellow Lakers from the Seidman College of Business. Looking to start your day off on a high note? Join the Seidman College of Business Alumni Network for a morning of complimentary coffee,...
Michigan Sociological Association's fall conference
October 24, 2026 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
The Michigan Sociological Association is excited to announce its upcoming fall conference, taking place on October 23rd and 24th at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. This annual...
Vote in Kirkhof
October 28, 2026 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cast your ballot right on campus with the Allendale Township Satellite Clerk's Office in the Kirkhof Center. Eligible voters can register to vote, update their voter registration, request an absentee...
Webinar: Middle Managers: Power vs. Influence
October 28, 2026 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Middle managers often sit in a role that is being squeezed from multiple directions. One of the most common challenges they face is the “power squeeze” — navigating expectations from...
DEM 101: Election Game Night with Linc Up!
October 28, 2026 6:00 PM
Test your civic knowledge through fun, interactive games and friendly competition! Join Linc Up! for an engaging game night where you'll learn about elections, government, and voting while connecting...