{"id":7,"date":"2026-08-07T14:38:00","date_gmt":"2026-08-07T14:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/political-science-and-public-service\/?p=7"},"modified":"2026-08-07T14:38:01","modified_gmt":"2026-08-07T14:38:01","slug":"fall-2025-october-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/political-science-and-public-service\/2026\/08\/07\/fall-2025-october-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Fall 2025: October Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Note from the Editor
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Welcome to the very first issue of our departmental newsletter! We\u2019re thrilled to have a new way to connect our students, faculty, alumni, and community partners. The Department of Political Science and Public Service continues to grow in exciting ways- from faculty research that\u2019s shaping national conversations to student projects making a local impact here in Chattanooga. We hope this newsletter becomes a regular way to share and celebrate all that\u2019s happening in our PSPS family.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Upcoming Departmental Events<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

These are events our department is hosting in the near future, so keep an eye out!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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PSPS Interest Meeting<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

October 20th – MCB 268 – 4pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you know a student who\u2019s curious about Political Science or the Master of Public Administration program? Invite them to attend one of our upcoming Interest Meetings! These sessions are a great way for students to learn more about the major, career opportunities, and how our programs help prepare them to make a difference in their communities. Please help us spread the word by encouraging anyone who might be considering a major change or graduate study to join us!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Poll Workers and Poll Watchers in the Electoral Process<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

October 22nd – Lupton 393 – 5:30-8pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Chris Acuff<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Interested in serving as a poll worker or poll watcher for upcoming elections in Tennessee? Join members of the League of Women Voters of Chattanooga who will give their insights on serving as poll workers in Hamilton County and discuss common challenges voters face during elections with which poll watchers often assist. PSPS students are invited to attend “Poll Workers and Poll Watchers in the Electoral Process” during Dr. Acuff’s Election Administration class this Wednesday, October 22, from 5:30-8:00 in Lupton 393. This session is co-sponsored by the UTC chapter of the League of Women Voters. We hope to see you there!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sweet Research Series<\/h4>\n\n\n\n

October 27th \u2013 MCB 268 \u2013 11am<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Rita J Groh<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Faculty Features<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Our faculty are not only dedicated to providing a world-class education to our students, but are also committed to their own research projects, workshops, journals, and more!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dr. Saeid Golkar<\/h2>

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Dr. Golkar has had a busy fall publishing and sharing insights on Iranian politics and military elites across several prominent outlets. <\/p>

In addition to his written work, Dr. Golkar recently gave interviews with The Atlantic (September 5, 2025) and Fakartany (Egyptian media, in Arabic, September 14, 2025). His research continues to draw international attention to the political dynamics shaping Iran\u2019s institutions and leadership.<\/p><\/div>