MSSU International & Political Affairs

09/06/2026

The Political Science Association and Pre-Law Pride are gathering to vote for our new officers and to plan events for this semester, you won’t want to miss this one!🇺🇸⚖️
🗓️September 8
🕐4:30 pm
📍Webster Room 208

09/06/2026

Exploring the Path to Law School! ⚖️

MSSU students recently had two outstanding opportunities to learn more about legal education and careers in law.

Students traveled to UMKC School of Law, where they toured the law school, met with admissions representatives, and connected with current law students to learn about the law school experience firsthand.

Students also attended MINK Law Day in Overland Park, where they had the chance to meet recruiters and admissions representatives from more than 60 law schools from across the country. The event provided valuable insights into the law school application process, academic programs, and future career opportunities.

Experiences like these help students explore their options, build professional connections, and take important steps toward their future legal careers. Join us for our next prelaw event on Sept. 15 when Mizzou Law visits our campus.

09/05/2026

⚖️ Interested in law school? Join us for a Law School Crash Course! ⚖️

Whether you're seriously thinking about becoming a lawyer or just curious about what law school is really like, this event is for you!

We're excited to welcome an Admissions Officer from the University of Missouri School of Law (Mizzou Law), who will provide insider tips on:
✅ Applying to law school
✅ The admissions process
✅ LSAT preparation
✅ Scholarships and financial aid
✅ Careers in law

📅 Tuesday, September 15
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Webster 207

All students, majors, and class years are welcome!

Bring your questions and learn what it takes to begin your journey to law school. ⚖

09/04/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Irmarie Dolz Maldonado, J.D. 🌟

The journey from MSSU to law school is never easy, but Irmarie Dolz Maldonado has embraced every challenge along the way with determination and resilience.

Recently graduating from the University of Missouri School of Law, Irmarie is currently preparing for the Missouri Bar Exam as she takes the next exciting step toward a legal career focused on criminal law. ⚖️

While her academic accomplishments are impressive, Irmarie says her favorite part of MSSU was not a class or event. It was the people.

💬 "Without a doubt, the friendships I built at MSSU were my favorite part. The people I met there not only made my college experience memorable but also introduced me to the International & Political Affairs program, where I found mentors, opportunities, and a field of study that helped shape my path to law school."

For current students, Irmarie offers a reminder that success is not a race and that every journey looks different.

✨ Her advice:

✅ Play to your strengths.

✅ Trust your own path.

✅ Do not compare your progress to someone else's.

✅ Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep moving forward.

💬 "It is easy to compare yourself to others or feel discouraged when things do not go according to plan, but success rarely looks the same for everyone. Keep showing up, keep learning, and keep on keeping on."

Irmarie's story is a powerful example of how mentorship, friendship, and perseverance can open doors to incredible opportunities. We are proud to see her continuing her journey into the legal profession and cannot wait to see what comes next.

👏 Join us in congratulating Irmarie as she prepares for this exciting new chapter!

📣 Are you an MSSU International & Political Affairs alum? We would love to hear your story! Tell us where your education has taken you, what you are working on today, and the advice you would share with current students. Send us a message or email [email protected] for a chance to be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight.

09/03/2026

Make the Capitol Your Classroom This Spring!

Are you interested in government, public policy, law, advocacy, communications, business, or public service?

The Spring 2027 Legislative Internship gives students the opportunity to work full time at the State Capitol alongside a state legislator, gaining an insider's view of the legislative process and hands-on professional experience.

✨ Benefits include:
• Working directly with a legislator and legislative staff
• Attending committee hearings and floor sessions
• Conducting research and assisting with constituent outreach
• Building a professional network of policymakers and public leaders
• Earning valuable experience that stands out to employers and graduate schools

📢 Students from ALL majors are encouraged to apply!

Want to learn more? Join us for an information session:

📅 Thursday, September 3
⏰ 12:15 PM
📍 Webster 208

📝 Application deadline: October 1

This is more than an internship. It's an opportunity to experience government in action, develop leadership skills, and make connections that can shape your future.

Take your education beyond the classroom and into the Capitol. Apply for the Spring 2027 Legislative Internship today!

09/01/2026

08/31/2026

Want to Make a Difference in Your Community?

The Public Administration & Urban Planning Certificate prepares students to become leaders, problem-solvers, and changemakers in cities, towns, and communities.

Students gain valuable insight into:
🏛️ Local government and public service
📈 Economic and community development
🚦 Transportation and infrastructure planning
🌳 Sustainability and quality of life issues
🤝 Public leadership and civic engagement

This popular interdisciplinary certificate pairs well with majors across campus and provides excellent preparation for careers in government, nonprofit organizations, planning agencies, public policy, law, and business.

📣 Open to all students!

Help shape the future of your community while building skills employers value.

08/28/2026

🌟 Alumni Spotlight: Taylor Robertson, MPA 🌟

Sometimes the path to your dream career starts with a single opportunity you never saw coming.

Today, Taylor Robertson serves as the Planning and Development Director for the City of Bella Vista, Arkansas, overseeing planning, engineering, trails, active transportation, code compliance, & key areas of public works for a growing city of more than 34,000 residents. Her work includes leading zoning and development code reforms, shaping land use policies along the Razorback Greenway, updating the city's Master Trail Plan, & helping reimagine the future of Highway 71.

But Taylor's favorite memories from MSSU were not found in a planning office - Taylor spent four years performing with the drumline, marching band, concert band, & percussion ensemble & got to experience when the drumline represented MSSU at the Kansas City Royals World Series not once, but twice.

Her advice for current students is both practical & encouraging:

✅ Do not worry if you do not have everything figured out.

✅ Be open to changing your major, exploring new interests, & taking unexpected opportunities.

✅ Career paths are often discovered through experience, not careful planning alone.

In fact, Taylor credits an internship opportunity during her senior year with helping her discover the field that became her career.

💬 "If it was not for the internship that Dr. Shoaf highly insisted on during my senior year with the City of Joplin, I never would have discovered the city planning career field."

Taylor's story is a great reminder that success is rarely a straight line. Stay curious, embrace new experiences, & trust that each opportunity may lead you somewhere unexpected.

👏 Join us in congratulating Taylor on the impact she is making in Northwest Arkansas & beyond!

📣 Are you an alum with a story to share? We would love to hear where your degree has taken you! Send us a message or email us at [email protected] and tell us about your career, favorite MSSU memories, & advice for current students for a chance to be featured in a future Alumni Spotlight.

08/27/2026

Turn Your Communication Skills into a Competitive Advantage!📣

The Political Communication Certificate brings together courses from multiple disciplines to help students understand how messages shape politics, public opinion, campaigns, advocacy, and public affairs.

Through this interdisciplinary program, you'll explore:
🎤 Public speaking and persuasion
📱 Social media and digital messaging
📰 Media and politics
🏛️ Campaigns and public opinion
🤝 Strategic communication and advocacy

Whether you're interested in politics, law, public relations, journalism, nonprofit work, public service, or business, the Political Communication Certificate will help you develop highly sought-after communication and leadership skills.

✅ Open to students from all majors

Learn to communicate effectively. Influence thoughtfully. Lead confidently.

08/25/2026

Reminder! Join us Tuesday, Aug. 25 @ 1230 pm in Webster 208 to finalize our plans for touring UMKC Law & attending MINK Law Day in Overland Park on Sept. 2. All are welcome.