In support of its mission, the Michigan Political Science Association presents several awards. The Undergraduate Student Paper Award is presented annually for the best undergraduate course paper submitted for consideration. The Graduate Student Paper Award is presented annually for the best graduate student paper presented at the association’s annual meeting.
The association honors those who have made notable contributions to the association through its Founders Award. In the future, it will also honor Michigan’s great political science professors through a MIPSA Teaching Award.
Undergraduate Student Paper Award
The MIPSA Undergraduate Paper Award is presented annually to the author/s of the best undergraduate paper submitted for consideration.
Eligible papers are those written to meet the requirements of an undergraduate political science course taught in the state of Michigan during the previous academic year. Honors theses revised under the auspices of faculty members are not eligible for the award. Papers must be nominated by the instructor of the course.
The deadline for submission is September 27.
Two awards are given, one for community college students and one for four-year college or university students. Only students from current member institutions are eligible for these awards.
Electronic submissions (preferred) and inquiries should be sent to Dr. John Clark: john.clark@wmich.edu. Hard copy papers should be submitted to Dr. John Clark, Department of Political Science, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5346.
Graduate Student Paper Award
The MIPSA Graduate Paper Award is presented annually to the author/s of the best graduate student paper presented at that year’s MIPSA conference.
To be considered for the award, a paper must be submitted to the award committee chair one month prior to the meeting. The paper must be presented as part of the official program of the conference. All participating graduate students are eligible for this award.
The deadline for submission is September 27.
Electronic submissions (preferred) and inquiries should be sent to Dr. John Clark at john.clark@wmich.edu. Hard copy submissions should be sent to Dr. John Clark, Department of Political Science, Western Michigan University, 1903 W. Michigan Avenue, Kalamazoo, MI 49008-5346.
Founders Award
The Founders Award is presented to members of MIPSA for outstanding contributions to the discipline of Political Science and to the work of the association. These contributions include participation, leadership, scholarship, and support for the enhancement of the study of political science.
Past Recipients
2023: Judith Kullberg, Eastern Michigan University
2022: Kurt Troutman, Muskegon Community College
2018: David Dulio, Oakland University
2017: John Parham, South University
2016: Gary Johnson, Lake Super State University
2015: John Clark, Western Michigan University
2014: Not Awarded
2013: Not Awarded
2012: Roger Durham, Aquinas College
2011: James Penning, Calvin College
2010: Corwin Schmidt, Calvin College
2009: Not Awarded
2008: Dina Krois, Lansing Community College
2007: Don Anderson, University of Michigan-Dearborn
2006: Nancy Kinney, Washtenaw Community College; Ron Stockton, University of Michigan-Dearborn
2005: Paul Rozycki, Mott Community College
2004: Helen Graves, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Edward Lorenz, Alma College
2003: Peter Kobrak, Western Michigan University; Mary Young, Southwestern Michigan College
2002: John Smith, Henry Ford Community College and University of Detroit
2001: Ellis Perlman, University of Michigan-Flint; Ken Verburg, Michigan State University