USI Department of Political Science, Public Administration & Philosophy

06/04/2026

Congrats to our AA!

06/04/2026

Congrats to our very own Dr. Engbers!

IU Center for Rural Engagement honors five awardees for contributions to rural Indiana, including Dr. Trent Engbers, Professor of Political Science and Public Administration.

Engbers received the Faculty Engaged Teaching Award for integrating community engagement into his curriculum and developing partnerships that address challenges facing rural Indiana communities.

Photo by IU Bloomington

05/14/2026

04/23/2026

Congratulations to Pre-Law Club for winning the 2026 Spirit of the Eagle Award. This award is reserved for those who truly embody the values of leadership, service, and dedication to the USI community.

We are especially proud of the Pre-Law Club for all the activities they have hosted this semester, and for their outstanding performances at the two Mock Trial Competitions this past academic year.

Once again, congratulations!

04/23/2026

We are excited that Rebekah Hamilton '24 (Political Science major and pre-law minor), currently a J.D. Candidate at IU's McKinney School of Law, will spend the 2026 summer as a law clerk at Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani, LLP in Indianapolis.

03/10/2026

Here are some videos showing USI's Mock Trial team in action recently at Washington University in St. Louis. A special thanks to our Pre-Law Club President and student, Ivy Ke, who helps to provide the media for these post! We would also like to thank the USI Foundation and Kahn Dees Donovan and Kahn law firm for their financial support. Without them and other USI donors our students would not have these great opportunities.

03/10/2026

Congratulations to our Pre-Law students and Pre-Law Club for another successful and fun time at the Mock Trial Competition at Washington University in St Louis.

12/17/2025

This past Friday our Pre-Law students put on an exhibition of the State of Midlands vs. Charles Martin at the Old Courthouse in downtown Evansville, IN. State of Midlands v. Charlie Martin is the fictional criminal case for the 2025-2026 season of the American Mock Trial Association (AMTA), where Charlie Martin is accused of murdering fellow contestant Rob Armstrong on a reality TV show called "The Saboteurs" in Charlotte County, Midlands, involving themes of criminal homicide, negligence, and realistic courtroom evidence. This case provides a complex scenario for law students to practice trial skills, focusing on witness testimony, direct vs. circumstantial evidence, and legal rules. They did an excellent job and we are happy along with the USI Foundation, Kahn Dees Donovan and Kahn law firm. and community support to put on these events to showcase our Pre-Law students.

12/10/2025

See Dr. Hanka's article on WNIN.

https://news.wnin.org/2025-12-08/good-governance-of-indianas-redistricting-questioned-by-academic-experts?fbclid=IwY2xjawOloX5leHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeVN7jN9GQsBM-1RmR2aYrW6wPyUV-OAY5VcfGZ5LTtXDbMKkjgrP0QWe2q70_aem_2k7xxUpipwJoGqCkK6LWyg

The race to redistrict US congressional seats has come to Indiana where the state GOP is voting on a new map designed to eliminate all seats held by democrats

12/04/2025

Congratulations to Mallory Friend, one of our outstanding PSPP students! The Student Affairs Committee announced today that she is the recipient of the esteemed Bill Sands Communication Studies Scholarship! The committee stated her exceptional dedication, leadership, and passion have truly set her apart. This recognition is a testament to your outstanding communication skills and contribution to the community. Great job Mallory!