Department of Political Science, Criminal Justice, & International Studies

Congratulations to our alumnus, Caleb Swanson, on being named a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar at Stanford University, where he will attend law school!

USD Alumnus Selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar Caleb Swanson, a 2024 graduate of the University of South Dakota, has been selected as a 2026 Knight-Hennessy Scholar by Stanford University.

Thanks to all of those who joined us for the end of the semester celebration. We hope you all have a great summer!

Congratulations to Professor Rich Braunstein who is this year’s recipient of the Blair and Linda Tremere Service Award!

https://www.usd.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-arts-sciences/south-dakotan-arts-and-sciences/celebrating-impact-faculty-honored-at-usd-college-of-arts-sciences

Last week, students Maddie Cross and Morgan Damman presented their research at the MPSA conference in Chicago alongside their advisors, Dr. Schorn and Dr. Hellwege.

Thank you to everyone who came out to the America 250th anniversary trivia!!
This event was sponsored by the Department and the Chiesman Center as part of the 250th celebrations happening campus and city wide, which you can find on the VCDC event calendar: https://chamber.livevermillion.com/events
A community trivia event is upcoming in June!
Thanks to Dr. Gerrish for organizing and Pastime trivia for hosting.

Join us for TRIVIA night to celebrate America's 250th Anniversary!

Afomiya Dejene, a sophomore majoring in our Criminal Justice Studies program, will speak on April 23, 2026, as part of TEDx Sioux Falls at the Washington Pavilion. In “The Power of Conversation,” Dejene will discuss the “cultural framework of intentionality” within her Ethiopian heritage. She says the best way to “dismantle bias” and gain a mutual understanding with one another is to have patience for “real dialogue” and “genuine presence.” Get your tickets today!

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our first Sioux Falls reception yesterday!

Chiesman Democracy Conference is coming up on April 9!

https://www.usd.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/college-of-arts-sciences/south-dakotan-arts-and-sciences/usds-chiesman-center-for-democracy-to-bring-state-and-national-perspectives-to-annual-conference

Register here: https://sites.google.com/usd.edu/chiesman/democracy-conference