James Madison College at Michigan State University

09/01/2026

This summer, 11 Madisonians traveled through Sri Lanka and India as part of JMC’s Global Development in South Asia education abroad program. Along the way, they visited farms, mangroves, tea plantations, community organizations and universities while exploring questions of development, gender, environment and natural resources.

In our latest Student View, Class of 2026 graduate Colin Reese reflects on the relationships and questions that shaped his experience in the program. Link in comments to read.

08/31/2026

JMC welcomed nearly 300 incoming first-year and transfer students to the college during Colloquium on Friday.

The event introduced students to the support services and resources available to Madisonians while giving them a closer look at JMC’s academic experience. Faculty members Daniel Ahlquist, Mark Axelrod, Sejuti Das Gupta and Brianne Wolf helped students explore the college’s majors and the different ways Madisonians approach public affairs, using a hypothetical data center proposal as the basis for a discussion. JMC alum Emma Bostwick (SRP), vice president of Business Attraction with Lansing Economic Area Partnership, moderated the discussion and provided insights from her own career experiences.

Students also got an interactive introduction to JMC’s field experience requirement and career resources. Karissa Chabot-Purchase and Lauren Michalak led a game that challenged students to think about how their academic experiences can connect to opportunities beyond the classroom.

08/28/2026

Looking for JMC apparel? Link in comments to browse our mini pop-up shop and order online by Sept. 15.

08/27/2026

From Grand Rapids to Chicago, Indiana and Virginia, JMC Prof. Jordan Cash spent the summer bringing the study of American political thought and constitutionalism to new audiences.

Through programs for teachers, high school students and emerging scholars — including JMC’s new Academy for Civic Education — Cash encouraged participants to go beyond the textbook and engage directly with the texts, arguments and debates that shaped American political institutions.

Link in comments to read more about Cash's summer work.

08/26/2026

From international law and government affairs to higher education, research and corporate litigation, Madisonians continue to build careers across a wide range of fields.

Our latest Alumni Notes catch up with JMC graduates from the Class of 1970 through the Class of 2026, with new jobs, degrees, publications, professional honors and more.

Link in comments to read.

08/24/2026

Please join us in congratulating JMC Prof. Norm Graham, who has been appointed associate dean of James Madison College.

Graham, a longtime professor in JMC’s International Relations field, returns to a role he previously held from 1999 to 2012. Since joining the full-time college in 1987, he has built a distinguished record as a teacher, scholar and administrator. He has twice served as acting dean, directed MSU’s Center for European, Russian and Eurasian Studies for 30 years, published 11 books and helped establish JMC’s International Relations in Brussels program.

As associate dean, Graham will support faculty research and development, curriculum, international programming and strategic initiatives while continuing to teach half-time.

“It’s the best job in the world,” Graham said of his career at JMC. “I love the college and I love the students we have.”

Link in comments to read more about his experience and priorities for the college.

08/21/2026

08/20/2026

A JMC Career Exposure trip to Washington, D.C., helped Rina Rakipi (IR ’19) picture a future working in the nation’s capital. Today, she helps protect the country’s critical infrastructure as an operations coordinator in the Threat Hunting Subdivision at the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.

Link in comments to read MSUToday's feature about Rakipi's journey from Case Hall to a career in cybersecurity.

08/19/2026

The final installment of our summer field experience series shows how public affairs work happens close to the communities policies are meant to serve.

This story features six JMC students applying classroom skills to internships focused on housing advocacy, health care access, food systems, campaigns, constituent services and natural resources policy:

-Andrea Guitron-Ortiz ( IR, SRP) conducted policy research and community outreach with Abundant Housing Michigan in Flint, supporting housing advocacy efforts across the state.

-Elida Hughes-Margolis (IR, SRP) is exploring natural resources policy, advocacy and public service with the Forest Service International Foundation in Washington, D.C.

-Nora Kaltenbach (SRP) worked with Flatwater Farms LLC in Buchanan, connecting agriculture, food access, sustainability and public affairs.

Sammy Leggett (PTCD, SRP) is serving as Volunteer Outreach & Canvassing Lead for the Rashida Harrison Campaign for State Senate.

-Erin Delaney (SRP, Journalism) supported constituent services, communications and event planning in Chairwoman Lisa McClain’s District Office.

-Madison MacDonald (PRC, Women's & Gender Studies) worked with Allen Neighborhood Center in Lansing to help neighbors access health care programs, food assistance and community resources.

Read the final story in our summer internship series at the link in our comments.

08/18/2026

🎉 Calling Michigan middle and high school teachers: Join JMC's Academy for Civic Education for a one-day professional development colloquium on Sept. 19. Hosted on MSU campus, the event will explore the connection between the Declaration of Independence and the U.S. Constitution.

The program will include two sessions examining selected primary-source readings, followed by a session with a Jack Miller Center pedagogy expert on practical ways to integrate original texts into the classroom. Because this event takes an in-depth look at a single topic, teachers who attended JMC-ACE’s summer program are also encouraged to participate.

Lunch and a $150 stipend are provided. A $40 registration deposit is required and will be returned with the stipend after participants complete the program. An optional provided dinner will also be held on Sept. 18.

Link in comments to learn more and register.