Department of Political Science and Philosophy

09/04/2026

ALUMNI FEATURE! Jessica Grega is a two-time Missouri State University alumna, earning both her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Master of International Affairs from Missouri State. Since joining Bunge, a St. Louis-based multinational agribusiness corporation, as an intern in 2022, she has advanced to Manager, Ethics & Compliance, building a career at the intersection of global business, ethics, technology, and risk.

In her role, Jessica partners across the business to strengthen compliance programs and help the organization navigate complex and emerging risks. Her work includes internal investigations, due diligence, executive reporting, training, data analytics, and beyond.

A significant focus of Jessica’s work is artificial intelligence and emerging technology governance. She co-leads initiatives supporting the responsible adoption of generative AI and other advanced technologies, helping develop governance frameworks, policies, training, and processes that balance innovation with ethical, regulatory, privacy, and compliance considerations. She also supports corporate security, crisis management, business continuity, and organizational resilience efforts.

Outside of her core role, Jessica serves as Chair of Bunge’s Emerging Leaders Business Resource Group, supporting mentorship, professional development, networking, and volunteer initiatives. She is also a Certified Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) and has spoken on AI governance and compliance at several conferences, including the Society of Corporate Compliance and Ethics and AI4.

Jessica credits her Political Science and MIA education with helping develop the international, analytical, and interdisciplinary perspective she brings to her work today. Looking ahead, she hopes to continue building a career at the intersection of ethics, technology, data, and global governance, applying that work across sectors including MNCs, government, international organizations, and NGOs.

08/31/2026

Join us in celebrating Dr. Ken Rutherford's upcoming induction at the 11th annual Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame! Recognizing those who exemplify ethical leadership, engaged citizenship, and a commitment to improving the lives of others, the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame will be honoring Dr. Rutherford Thursday, September 10th, at the Old Glass Place.

Prior to his current role at James Madison University, Dr. Rutherford served as a Professor of Political Science at Missouri State University. As a co-founder of the Landmine Survivors Network, Dr. Rutherford educated Missouri State students on armed violence reduction in partnership with Fort Leonard Wood's demining program. He also helped establish the University as a United Nations depository library.

Outside of Missouri State, Dr. Rutherford helped lead the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, which was awarded the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize. He has received several honors including the Global Humanitarian Award, presented by Sir Paul McCartney. He has served as the Director of James Madison’s Center for International Stabilization and Recovery, a Peace Corps Volunteer in Mauritania (1987-1989), an UNHCR Emergency Refugee Coordinator in Senegal (1989), a humanitarian emergency relief officer in northern Kenya and Somalia (1993), and as a Fulbright Scholar in Jordan (2005).

Congratulations, Dr. Rutherford! 👏

Find out more about Dr. Rutherford's story & the upcoming ceremony here: https://publicaffairs.missouristate.edu/HallOfFame/2026-ceremony.htm

08/29/2026

Still recovering from syllabus shock? MSU has your back!

This upcoming week, the Meyer Library is hosting a Partner Fair highlighting services such as the Bear CLAW, the Center for Academic Success and Transition, the Disability Resource Center, and the Honors College. Meet representatives from MSU's expert support team on Thursday, Sept 3rd from 2p-4p at Meyer Library!

Find out more here: https://calendar.missouristate.edu/ -details/6afa57a9-291c-4d8a-8eb4-3d8be5ffd720

08/27/2026

Settling into semester & wondering what's next? You have options! We've compiled a few internships centered on Political Science and Philosophy studies here: 👀

Don't see what you're looking for? Reach out to Missouri State's Career Center for support with internships & beyond!

08/21/2026

Amjid Rana, pursuing graduate study in International Affairs with Missouri State, is an international relations scholar with a background in academic research, teaching, and journalism. He holds an MPhil in International Relations and an MSc in Communication Studies from the University of the Punjab, Pakistan. At Missouri State, he served as a Graduate Assistant with the Peace Corps Prep Program and as a Summer Research Assistant. His professional experience includes teaching as a Visiting Lecturer at the University of Central Punjab, Lahore. He also worked as a researcher and content producer with leading Pakistani television news organizations, such as Dunya News and Suno News.

Amjid has had research papers accepted for presentation at the Midwest Political Science Association ( ) conference in Chicago and the International Studies Association–Midwest conference in St. Louis. He will begin his PhD in Global Governance and Human Security at the University of Massachusetts Boston, where his research interests include international security, global governance, human security, forced migration and displacement, and environmental security. Looking forward, he hopes to pursue a career in academia and research institutions.

08/19/2026

In Dr. Indira Palacios' Women in Politics (PLS 319) class, students create a video podcast as their final project. Last spring, Lydia Roth, Addie Kimerlee, Mia Ray, and Collins Chastain focused their video on indigenous Wayuu women and their environmental activism in the La Guajira region of South America. Watch the video to learn about the region, the Wayuu people, and why women are leading the fight against both green and non-green energy corporations.

08/15/2026

What's better than a trip to Greece? A trip to Greece with MSU! ✈️

Dr. William Harwood (PHI) and Nikki Ferry (THE), both inaugural Education Abroad Faculty Fellows, led a Program entitled “In the Footsteps of Titans and Gods: an Immersive Exploration of Philosophy and Theatre in Greece” this last May —and it was a smashing success!

They discussed the origins of democracy and civil rights while touring the Athenian Acropolis, the relationship between myth and history while hiking to the Delphic Oracle, the importance of art at the unimaginable Theatre of Epidaurus, the inestimable influence of Homer while summiting the Fortress of Mycenae—but also relaxed on Mediterranean beaches on the Isle of Aegina, strolled the gemstone streets of romantic Nafplio, and dined atop the highest hill in Athens with 360° views overlooking the Acropolis.

The students who attended the interdisciplinary Program came from a variety of majors and backgrounds, and all hailed it as a life-changing educational journey, which was made even more seamless due to Dr. Harwood’s familiarity with the language and locations from his ongoing research throughout Greece.

Will this be you next summer? Stay tuned for trip information -- Ferry and Harwood have already submitted their application to lead an even better Program next May.

08/11/2026

Next week's preview just dropped 👀

Get the details on your class schedule, student resources, and Political Science & Philosophy programs here: https://www.missouristate.edu/PSP/default.htm

08/03/2026

07/29/2026