PolsNews: Fall 2026

From the Chair

As we begin a new academic year in Bloomington, we have much to share about the people, programs, and scholarship shaping the Department of Political Science. Among this year’s highlights are the newly endowed Charles S. Hyneman Professorship, continued growth in our research and academic programs, and new opportunities for students both on campus and beyond. We are grateful for the continued engagement and support of our alumni and friends.

Read the full note

Student and alumni news

Student award

Political Science student Natalia Polerecky (B.A. '28) has been awarded the First Place Outstanding Research Award for Undergraduate students in the Social Sciences category.

Alumni award

On May 9, 2026, J T. Forbes (B.A. '90) was awarded the 2026 Political Science Distinguished Alumni Award and gave remarks to the graduating class.

Watch the video

Alumni profile

Political Science alum Hicham Bou Nassif (Ph.D. '14) explains why he chose IU, provides his favorite memories, and shares what he's working on now.

Hyneman Professorship

A $1 million gift from Lawrence H. Lee (B.A. ’66, Government) establishes a new endowed professorship honoring the late Distinguished Professor Charles S. Hyneman.

Faculty news

Professor Christine Barbour won a Career Impact Award, several faculty have published new books, and others have made recent media appearances or keynote addresses.

Oct. 2 conference

The 2026 Center on American Politics Conference in Bloomington will focus on political behavior, political psychology, media and politics, and public opinion.

Keep in touch

We want to hear from you! Share your story with a class note, and let us know what's new in your career and life.

Has your contact information changed? Notify the College of Arts and Sciences' Director of Alumni Relations Vanessa Cloe. You can call her at (812) 855-8891, or e-mail her via the link below.

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Shape the next century

When you give to your alma mater, it shows that you understand the value of an education in political science. You understand that we're preparing our students for successful, meaningful lives. And you understand that you’re investing not only in our students and their futures, but also in the continued excellence of the department.

Here's how

Learn about all the different ways that you can give back to the Department of Political Science

Publishing information

PolsNews is published by the IU Department of Political Science — with support from the IU College of Arts and Sciences' Office of Advancement — for alumni and friends to encourage their interest in the university and our department.

2025-26 Political Science Faculty and Staff

Faculty:

Christine Barbour
William Bianco
Nicolas Bichay
Eileen Braman
Elizabeth Brannon
Aurelian Craiutu
Vanessa Cruz Nichols
Jacek Dalecki
Christopher DeSante
Noah Eber-Schmid

Judy Failer
Jeffrey Isaac
Ore Koren
Rachel Lienesch
Caleb Lucas
Armando Razo
William E. Scheuerman
Regina Smyth
Dina Rome Spechler
Jun Sudduth
Steven Webster
Michael Weinman

Jason Wu
Justyna Zajac

Staff:
Amanda Campbell
Isabel Dowling
Jon Liechty
Rachel Rennie
Jordan Vohs
Jeanne Myers
Lydia Shanklin Roll
Laurie Staring

College of Arts and Sciences

Interim Executive Dean: Caroline Jarrold
Executive Director of Advancement: Jeff Stuckey
Director of Alumni Relations: Vanessa Cloe
Assistant Director of Donor and Alumni Communications: Linda Bollivar

PolsNews: Fall 2026