Amanda Fortino
Director of Leadership Giving at Farm Sanctuary
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
Erin (Meteer) Hendges
Campaign Fundraiser Founds Consulting Firm
Nick Girimont
1L at MSU College of Law
Alan Dunklow
Assistant Attorney General for the State of Maryland
Jacob Johnston
Grant Writer and Case Manager
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
Drop in days of service
December 5, 2025 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Drop-in Days of Service are on-campus opportunities for students to "drop in" and complete service projects for service hours. At these days of service, students will learn more about different...
Laker Family Holiday Brunch
December 6, 2025 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM
Show your Laker pride and enjoy the spirit of the season, all wrapped up in one event! Join fellow alumni and families for a holiday brunch. There will be crafts for the little Lakers, photo opportunities...
Alumni Webinar: Lead with Love with Jeff Doolittle
December 16, 2025 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM
Lead with Love: The Habit that Elevates People, Profit, and Purpose In today’s complex and uncertain workplace, leadership rooted in love — not transaction — is a true differentiator. Whether...
GVSU Detroit Sports Days
January 3, 2026 All Day
Join fellow Lakers for two days of sports in Detroit! Cheer on the Red Wings and Pistons and score limited-edition, co-branded merch! Each ticket sold through this special package includes a donation...
Fulbright US Student Program - Virtual Information Session
January 15, 2026 1:00 PM - 2:00 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...