Department of Political Science

We are pleased to announce that our Dept. of Political Science student teams (32 members and 3 teams), at the Model Organization of American States student competition in San Antonio returned with several awards and honors including:

• 1st Place – Outstanding Delegate Award received by Krystal Thomason and Jodee Bruce
• 2nd Place – Distinguished Delegate Award received by Michael Dimitri
• Committee Chair position - Elaine Sims was honored to receive this faculty appointment
• Committee Chair position - Mandy Domaschk – was honored to receive this faculty appointment
• Secretary General for 2010 competition – Javier Reyes – was honored to be elected by the 300 student participants to this position on the Secretariat.
• Parliamentarian for 2010 competition – Aimee Furry – was honored to be elected by the 300 student participants to this position on the Secretariat.
 

At the Texas City Management Association Conference in June, Dr. Howard Balanoff received the "Terrell Bodgett Academician Award."  This award was given for "Significant contributions to the formal education of students pursuing careers in local government."  Additionally, MPA alumni received longevity awards.  Mike Tanner, City Manager of Portland, received a 25 year service award.  And Chuck Pinto received a 30 year service award.

Congratulations to Dr. Howard Balanoff for receiving the Paul Van Riper Award for Excellence in Service to the Public Administration Profession.  Dr. Balanoff received the award on March 23, 2009 at the ASPA National Conference in Miami "in recognition for his outstanding contributions to both the theory and practice of public administration and the organizational develpment of this association ensuring a legacy of excellence and learning for the leaders of the future."

Presenting the award to Dr. Balanoff is Dr. Don Klinger, the President of the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA).

In January of this year, Samantha Ibarra, 18, left her home and traveled less than one mile to a convenience store on a busy section of Highway 123.  She never came home.  Her sister, Josephina, a Texas State Political Science student, believes that she can make a difference and has launched a movement to make the highway safer so other familes do not have to suffer the same kind of loss as her family has experienced.  She has created a petition, has contacted county and state officials, and received media coverage about her fight.  Josephina provides an example of how one person can bring attention to an important issue and make a difference.

Congratulations to Professor Sherri Mora for being selected a namesake for the PAWS Preview 2009.  PAWS Preview is a "just in time" transition program for incoming students.  Having completed its 10th year, the program provides an opportunity for new Texas State students to meet future classmates, interact with student leaders, participate in social activities, and receive tips for being successful both in and out of the classroom.

Professor Mora was selected because of her strong commitment to student success at the university and the overall impact she has made on both students and in the campus community.  Congratulations, Professor Mora!

On Saturday, February 28, 2009, Walter Wright recieved the Susanne C. Adams Award from the Texas Association of Mediators.  This award is dedicated as a living tribute to Susanne C. Adams, a visionary, a leader, and a pioneer in mediation. This award was created in 1997 to honor Susanne, the first recipient of the award, and those who, like Susanne, set an example for the rest of the mediation community in Texas to follow.

The award is given annually to persons who have performed exceptional and outstanding efforts in promoting or furthering the use of mediation in Texas.

Professor Wright also recently received the Frank G. Evans Award from the State Bar of Texas, Alternative Dispute Resolution Section, and in 2005 won the Steve Brutsche award from the Association of Attorney-Mediators. 

Professor Wright teaches in the Legal Studies Master's Program for the Department of Political Science.

Videos from the Political Science Hallway Discourse Board are available on line:

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