UTC PSPS

Congratulations to all of our Spring graduates! 🎓
We are so proud of everything you’ve accomplished and cannot wait to see where your next chapter takes you.

To our current students: have an amazing summer! ☀️
We can’t wait to welcome you back in the fall, and trust us… we’ve got some exciting things coming your way. Stay tuned! 👀

Happy Reading Day 2026, Mocs!! Keep studying and working hard; you’re almost finished! 📖✏️👩🏼‍💻

Need a brain break? Make sure to check your department’s socials for any end-of-the-semester celebrations! 💛💙

✨ On April 10th, our department gathered for our annual awards ceremony to celebrate the incredible accomplishments of our students throughout this academic year.

As we close out classes and head into finals season, we wanted to take one more moment to recognize the hard work, leadership, perseverance, and excellence these students have shown both inside and outside the classroom. We are so proud of all they have achieved this year and cannot wait to see what comes next for each of them.

Congratulations again to all of our award recipients, and best of luck to everyone finishing out the semester strong! 🎓👏

Reminder: TODAY!!!

On Friday, April 10th we will be having a PSPS Networking Event as part of the Career Development class. The entire department (along with any fellow UTC students you want to bring along) are invited to participate as well.

Friday, April 10th, 12:00noon-1:15pm in the PSPS Department (2nd floor McCallie)

We should have 15-20 professionals from local nonprofits, city/county government, and the legal community joining us for the event. Come meet them, ask questions about how to prepare for your future careers, ask about volunteer/intern/job opportunities, or just come be friendly. Many of the attendees are former students in our PSPS undergrad or MPA graduate program.

Light refreshments will be provided.

Reminder: TODAY!!!
Friday, April 10th from 3-4:30 pm in McCallie State Building Room 268

Join us as we celebrate the hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements of our students and graduates. Enjoy light refreshments, connect with peers and faculty, and help us recognize excellence within our department.

Mocs Go Vote 2026: Navigating Tennessee’s Primaries and the Race to November

Date and Time: Monday, April 13, Noon – 1:00 PM
Location: Derthick Hall, Room 201

Dear UTC Community,
Please join the Department of Political Science and Public Service, in partnership with the Mocs Go Vote Committee, for an information session and forum to discuss the upcoming May and August primaries in Tennessee and a preview of November’s midterm elections. Drs. Sarah Heise, Jeremy Strickler, and Chris Acuff will offer their expertise on the specific races and historical trends that could define this year’s elections.
-State and Local Races: An overview of the state and local offices appearing on your ballot this year, from school board seats to state legislative races.
-Primaries and Participation: An analysis of the mechanics of Tennessee’s party primaries and the factors that influence voter turnout in elections.
-The National Landscape: A look at the fall congressional races within the historical context of midterm elections and how the results may influence the national political environment.

This forum is open to all students, faculty, and staff. We will conclude with a Q&A session to ensure you have the information you need to be an informed voter.

We look forward to seeing you there,
Sarah Heise, Jeremy Strickler, and Chris Acuff

Department of Political Science and Public Service & Mocs Go Vote Committee

UTC faculty will host a panel discussion from 4-5:30 p.m. TODAY, Thursday, April 9, in the University Center Room 230 as the nation marks the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

The conversation will explore what the Declaration is, what it has symbolized for many, how it has been remembered and why it remains essential. The document justified America’s rebellion and articulated key aspirations for the nation’s future.

Moderated by Mike Thompson (history), the panel will feature political scientists Michelle D. Deardorff and Jeremy Strickler and historians Susan Eckelmann and Mark Johnson. Time for audience discussion will follow brief presentations.

The panel discussion is sponsored by the Department of Political Science and Public Service, the Department of History and the Adolph S. Ochs Professor of Government.

What do you want to understand better this fall?

Fall registration is open!

PSPS is offering a wide range of courses this semester: from core classes to special topics that explore the issues shaping our world today.

Courses like Middle East Politics, Religion, Law, and the Growth of Constitutional Thought, and Politics of Immigration dive into timely, real-world questions, while others build foundations in law, policy, and global affairs.

Beyond degree requirements, these courses help students develop essential skills in critical analysis, research, and effective communication, while gaining a deeper understanding of the political and social forces shaping today’s world.

Fall registration is open- find a class that challenges you.

What issues actually shape the world around you?

In PSPS 1030: Controversies in Public Policy, students dive into today’s most pressing political, social, and economic debates. From real-world case studies to class discussions, this course explores how policies are created, challenged, and changed.

You won’t just learn what policies exist- you’ll explore why they exist, who influences them, and how they impact your everyday life.

This General Education course, offered during Summer Term 2, is perfect for students who like to question, discuss, and think critically.

Bring your perspective. Challenge assumptions. Understand the world around you.

Summer registration is open- secure your spot today.

What makes a society thrive?

Why do people in some countries live longer, healthier, and happier lives than in others? In PSPS 2700: Comparative Government with Dr. Irina Khmelko, students explore how healthcare, education, and social policies shape daily life- and why some systems succeed while others struggle.

Students will examine real-world cases, analyze current global news, and ask one big question: What does it take to build a good society?

Learn from a globally recognized expert with decades of experience advising policymakers and international organizations. Dr. Khmelko, a U.C. Foundation Professor with extensive international policy experience, brings a unique global perspective to the classroom.

Summer registration is open now! Learn more and sign up today.

While some were relaxing over Spring Break, our students were diving into meaningful conversations about leadership and civic engagement 📚✨

A group of PSPS students attended the Civics Symposium in Knoxville, where they heard from national leaders, participated in discussions on public service, and explored the importance of civic responsibility in today’s world.

Experiences like this are what PSPS is all about- connecting classroom learning to real-world conversations and opportunities. We’re proud of our students for taking advantage of experiences like this and representing UTC so well!