Colorado State University Political Science Department

Today is CSU’s Day of Giving! 💚💛🐏

Join fellow Rams in supporting the programs that empower students to lead, engage, and strengthen civic life at CSU and beyond. Your gift helps expand opportunities through initiatives like the Democracy Summit and Democracy Fellows program.

You can support by giving to one of our featured funds:
▪️ Ann Gill Hall
▪️ Democracy Initiatives
▪️ Liberal Arts Emergency Fund

Thank you for investing in dialogue, leadership, and the future of democracy at CSU.

https://give.colostate.edu/rams-rise-2026

We’re so excited to welcome a standout incoming class this fall to CSU’s Political Science department—especially those pursuing the Law, Politics, and Government concentration.

If you’re thinking law school, CSU is where it starts. From one-on-one pre-law advising to internships and a built-in community, you’ll get the experience (and edge) you need.

We can’t wait to see you on campus in the fall!

🎉Big congratulations to our own Professor Peter Harris, recipient of the Gordon and Joan Bishop Professorship as part of the 2026 CSU Provost Awards!

This prestigious three-year professorship recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence across CSU’s mission—outstanding teaching, impactful research, and meaningful outreach and engagement. It also provides annual support to advance scholarly work and innovation.

Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition and Professor Harris’s contributions to our department and university community!

Political Science alum Aidan Lyde (’23) is putting his degree to work where it matters most.

As Climate Adaptation and Water Resources Planner at Denver Water, he applies his background in environmental policy to help communities prepare for and respond to the challenges of climate change.

Lead with purpose.

Starting Fall 2026, apply for the Certificate in Public Service Leadership—a 15-credit program preparing you for careers in government, nonprofits, and public policy.
Build skills in policy analysis, leadership, and real-world problem-solving while exploring how government impacts everyday life.

Contact Sam Houghteling to learn more: [email protected]

New research from our own Matt Hitt explores how partisanship is reshaping public trust in the U.S. Supreme Court.

In Supremely Polarizing, Hitt and co-author Nicholas T. Davis draw on original survey data to show that Americans’ views of the Court are increasingly filtered through partisan identity—raising important questions about the Court’s legitimacy and the future of American democracy.

Downloads of the book are free until April 20! https://www.cambridge.org/core/elements/supremely-polarizing/920281F1E1E29423A2645A591644AFB0

ONE WEEK FROM TODAY! Get a rare, firsthand look at the judicial system as the Colorado Court of Appeals hears real oral arguments right here !

Courts in the Community at the Democracy Summit
Tuesday, March 10
3–5 p.m.
LSC Theatre

Presiding over the cases are two CSU alums, Chief Judge Gilbert Román and Judge Craig Welling, alongside Judge Stephanie Dunn.

After each case, join a Q&A with the attorneys and judges for an inside view of how courts resolve disputes and uphold democracy in Colorado.

⚠️ Note: No backpacks or large bags allowed. Plan extra time for security screening.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see democracy in action!

What’s shaping democracy in Colorado right now?

Join us next week at the 2026 Democracy Summit for The State of Democracy in the Centennial State: Insights into Colorado’s Political Landscape
12:15–2:30 p.m.
LSC University Ballroom
*lunch provided!!*

Hear from leading experts (including our own Prof. Hitt and Prof. Olofsson) on the forces influencing Colorado’s political landscape — and be there as they announce the semifinalists for the Colorado Democracy Prize, spotlighting bold ideas for our state’s democratic future.

Rachel Pratt (B.A. ’23) is putting her CSU political science degree to work in Washington, D.C., where she serves as an Associate on the Healthcare Team at Venn Strategies.

At CSU, Rachel built the foundation that drives her career today. Through hands-on experiences like the Colorado Legislative Internship with Rep. Joe Neguse and her research assistant role with Dr. Peter Harris, she learned how to translate complex policy into actionable advocacy.

That preparation paid off. After joining Venn Strategies in 2023, Rachel quickly advanced, leading legislative and regulatory efforts in health and patient advocacy — and earning the firm’s Quality Award for her leadership and collaborative impact.

Her CSU political science education didn’t just prepare her for a job, it positioned her for rapid career growth in federal policy and advocacy.

We’re proud to see Rams turning their degrees into meaningful impact.