Departmental News
RECENT NEWS
Political science graduate recognized for outstanding research, leadership experience at K-State
Huge congrats to Andrew Navarro, who was one of only 48 recipients nationwide to receive the prestigious $8,500 Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship! Andrew will be heading to the University of Miami School of Law to continue making a difference in the world. He shared, "K-State is where I learned how to lead with both purpose and humility. Whether I was coordinating fundraising efforts, helping revise the student code of conduct or pushing sustainability initiatives, K-State gave me the space to turn conviction into experience and that experience into action.”
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our former colleague, Dale Herspring, who died on July 14th.
Dale joined the department in 1993, making significant contributions through his teaching and research in areas such as Russia, National Security, and Civil-Military Relations. He led the department as head from 1993 to 2000. A highly respected and prolific writer, Dale earned the esteemed designation of University Distinguished Professor. He retired from the department in 2015.
Before his tenure with us, Dale dedicated 32 years to serving his country, both in the U.S. Navy and as a Foreign Service Officer. His commitment to public service and academic excellence leaves a lasting legacy.
We are very excited to share that two Political Science seniors – Andrew Navarro and Bently Taulbert – were selected for Dean of Students Outstanding Graduating Senior Awards. Thomas Lane, vice president for academic success and student affairs and dean of students, will present the awards at 3:30 p.m. Thursday, April 24, in the Flint Hills Room of the K-State Student Union. Family, friends, faculty and staff are invited to attend the celebration. Read the full announcement here - K-State Today announcment
For the 2025-2026 academic year, the political science department awarded more than $33,000 in scholarship funds to its undergraduate and graduate students. The department also awarded stipends for graduate assistantships to six students across two graduate programs.
The Political Science Department's 2025-2026 scholarship recipients are:
SCHOLARSHIP/FELLOWSHIP WINNERS
Evelyn M. Bieker Scholarship |
Patrick Donnelly, sophomore in the university honors program majoring in political science |
Amy Button-Renz Public Administration Scholarship |
Josie Brooks, master’s student in public administration |
Don and Marian Button Political Science Scholarship |
Andrew Quang Le, junior in the university honors program, double majoring in political science and global food system leadership, with a minor in leadership studies |
John W. and Lynn L. Carlin Public Administration Scholarship |
Jacob Hofman, accelerated master’s student in public administration |
Reba L. Cobb Memorial Scholarship for Outstanding Women in Political Science |
Gracie Jo Stanton, junior in political science with two minors in business and English, a pre-law designation, and a primary text certificate |
Sally Coberly Political Science Scholarship |
MaKenna Villwok, sophomore in political science and economics |
Louis H. Douglas Scholarship |
Brenna Barnes, junior in political science and natural resources and environmental science, with a pre-law designation |
Joseph Hadja Student Scholarship |
Gibson Akers, master’s student in public administration |
Donald R. Hill Scholarship |
Gabriela Patricia Guillen, junior in political science and Spanish, with a pre-law designation |
Edward Allen McCoy, Jr. Memorial Scholarship |
Alondra Alvarez, junior in political science and Spanish with a pre-law designation Samantha Suchanek, junior in political science with a pre-law designation, a certificate in film studies, and a minor in gender, women, and sexuality studies |
Barbara Meyer Scholarship in Political Science |
Reagan Montgomery, junior in the university honors program, majoring in political science, with a minor in business, and a pre-law designation |
Political Science Excellence Award |
Anna Halstead, sophomore in the university honors program, majoring in political science and art, with a pre-law designation Kadence Henke, freshman in political science with a pre-law designation Dylann Hoffman, freshman in political science with a pre-law designation Isabella Leo, freshman in political science with a minor in journalism & mass communications Zachary Weeks, freshman in political science with a pre-law designation and a primary texts certificate. |
Richter Family “Beyond the Campus” Scholarship |
Brooke Miller, junior in political science and Spanish with a pre-law designation and a primary texts certificate |
Rieger-McCrery Scholarship |
Zahir Nooristani, master’s student in public administration |
Nicolas Salgo Political Science Scholarship |
Lilly Schultejans, junior in political science and history with a pre-law designation |
Samarrai Middle East Fellowship |
Grant Holsman, freshman in political science with a minor in middle east studies |
Dennis K. Tapsak Memorial Scholarship |
Emily Freeman, sophomore in political science and history with a pre-law designation and a minor in leadership studies |
Tummala Master of Public Administration Fellowship Student |
Emily Voskoyan, master’s student in public administration |
Jon David Wagner Scholarship |
Sophie Bond, junior in political science and French with a pre-law designation and a primary texts certificate |
Raoul Wallenberg Scholarship in International Relations |
Rosa Estrada-Ramirez, master’s student in public administration |
GRADUATE TEACHING/RESEARCH ASSISTANTSHIP RECIPIENTS
Graduate Teaching Assistantship |
Lamya Achelha, doctoral student in security studies Emmanuel Ofori-Bah, doctoral student in security studies Stephen Zimmer, master’s student in public administration Mia Wells, master’s student in public administration |
Graduate Research Assistantship |
Richard Johnson, doctoral student in security studies Channa Dissanayake, doctoral student in security studies |
Congratulations to all the award recipients and thank you to all the donors who make these scholarships possible!
A ribbon-cutting was held on Sept. 9 to celebrate the recently renovated study space on the third floor of Calvin Hall! The space now boasts:
The renovation project began around 2.5 years ago, when Kate Thomas, Student Governing Association (SGA) Tuition Enhancements Committee (TEC) Chair (2022-2023 AY) approached the department head, Nathaniel Birkhead, about improving Calvin Hall's 3rd floor lounge. Kate knew funds were available for such projets through the SGA and with her insight, Dr. Birkhead made a presentation to the TEC for Student-Centered Tuition Enhancement funds to upgrade the lights and repair the ceiling, as well as, paint and re-carpet the space.
Dr. Birkhead went back to the Tuition Enhancements Committee the next year to request funds for new furniture and fixtures. The TEC, then chaired by Samantha Suchanek, approved the proposal.
We would like to recognize Ryan Zecha, K-State Facilities project manager, Dr. Birkhead, political science department head; and Evelynn Ediger, chair of the Student Governing Association’s Tuition Enhancements committee (2024-2025 AY); for their outstanding work in the renovation process.
Department of Political Science
Kansas State University
802 Mid Campus Dr. South
101D Calvin Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506
785-532-6842
polsci@ksu.edu