Political Science

Department Honors Its Students

Posted May 2, 2018

 This past Monday, the Department hosted its annual year end cookout at Dr. Evans's home and gave out its awards for the academic year. The Department awarded Michayla Kramer the Outstanding Major award and Best Paper award. Michayla's paper is entitled "Women Legislating for Women" and examined the impact of women on state legislatures. Examining Oregon's debate on HR 3391 which would pay for all abortions in Oregon, she found that while party explained the votes on the amendment and bill, sex (i.e., female) explains asking questions in committee, offering amendments, and participating in floor debate. 

In other awards, Thomas Wilson won the John W. Burgess Award for outstanding work in political science while J.P. Barden, a Christian Studies Major, won the outstanding minor award. Matt Grove won the Civic Engagement Award. Matt has interned with Congressman Mike Bost (R-IL), served as Student Government Vice President, served as an officer in College Republicans, and interned with the Ethics and Religious Liberty Commission. 

The Department also awarded three new awards by presenting awards for the best paper in American Politics, International Relations, and Political Theory. Josiah McGee won the award for Best Paper in American Politics for his work on Republicans gaining united control of Missouri government. Kathleen Bahlon won the award for Best Paper in International Relations for her paper on admiralty law. Joshua Swafford won the Best Paper in Political Theory Award and also received his award for winning the Department's Bracket Challenge making Swafford a Renaissance Man who is intelligent and a good prognosticator.