JMU Political Science: Engaged in Public Service

The Political Science Department seeks to improve the quality of public policy and civic life in the United States and abroad by teaching students to think analytically and critically, conducting meaningful research, and collaborating with people in and beyond our JMU and local communities. We are committed to an inclusive learning and working environment that celebrates diversity. We affirm the lives and experiences of historically excluded people and aim to cultivate a welcoming and participatory departmental culture where all can flourish.

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Alumni Stories

Our alumni reflect on the value of their experiences in our department as they prepared for their careers in public service:

Donna Harris-Aikens, former Deputy Chief of Strategy for Strategy, Office of the Secretary, U.S. Department of Education
Class of 1990, public administration major

Sarah Massey, Senior Director of Communications for North America, The ONE Campaign
Class of 2008, political science major

Christopher Mulkins, Director of Homeland Security, U.S. Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee
Class of 2000, international affairs major

News

Sep 20 Inside the minds of young voters
Tomorrow’s leaders are striving to improve the state of American democracy.
Sep 17 Tackling global diplomacy
The new College of Arts and Letters Diplomacy & Defense Lab, under the leadership of Bernie Kaussler, professor of political science, enables students to apply classroom learning to real-world problems.
Sep 11 Collaborative leadership: JMU MPA program appoints co-directors
The JMU MPA program is utilizing a new leadership approach and has appointed Dr. Rob Alexander and Dr. Sombo Muzata as its directors. The directors share their thoughts on how they will move the program forward
Aug 16

Program aimed at developing civic-dialogue skills
Can we find common ground and work toward mutually beneficial solutions to public problems?
Jun 25 JMU students engage with European policymakers
For the 6th consecutive year, JMU students participated in the Schuman Challenge at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States
Jun 20 Ethical Leadership and Professionalism from Italy to Africa
The U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa team shares their advice on leadership and professionalism in an ever-changing workplace with the EUPS 2024 cohort.
Jun 20 Santi Apostoli
Marisol Powell ('24) writes about her experience living in Florence and visiting the city's most ancient religious sites.
Jun 20 Fostering Innovation in the Middle East
Alexandra Wilson Tuman ('24) interviews Christina Craver ('12) about her experiences living and working in Dubai, to highlight the benefits and challenges of living and working abroad.
Jun 20 Letter from the Director
Our alumni survey speaks to how our graduates value their time in this program.
Jun 20 Modeling the Way with Model EU
Noah Buracker ('24) shares his perspective on serving as the High Representative/Vice President during the 2023 Model EUP Simulation and embracing cultural exchange and international networking.

Department of Political Science

Miller Hall
MSC 7705
91 East Grace Street
Harrisonburg, Virginia 22807

Email Us
(540) 568-6149
Fax: (540) 568-8021