{"id":71,"date":"2026-08-10T17:24:08","date_gmt":"2026-08-10T17:24:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/political-science-and-public-service\/?p=71"},"modified":"2026-08-10T17:24:08","modified_gmt":"2026-08-10T17:24:08","slug":"spring-2026-april-newsletter","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blog.utc.edu\/political-science-and-public-service\/2026\/08\/10\/spring-2026-april-newsletter\/","title":{"rendered":"Spring 2026: April Newsletter"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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A Note from the Department Head<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
As we head into the home stretch of the spring semester, I’m subbing in for Ella here so that I can say “THANK YOU” to her on behalf of all of us for doing such a great job with the department newsletter this year. Even after only a few months with us, Ella has already become an incredible asset to our department. In addition to this newsletter, she has greatly upped our social media game, and her diligence behind the scenes keeps the department running smoothly.
We have a packed schedule of events over the next few weeks. Students, your professors (and in some cases, your classmates) plan these events because we care about you! You’ll see opportunities to learn, to network, and to have fun (and, of course, to eat). Please read about all the upcoming events, mark your calendars, and make the most of your time in PSPS.
Finish strong, everyone!<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n<\/div><\/div>\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><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sweet Research Series<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Trevor Samaha<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 13th \u2013 MCB 268 \u2013 10am<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Policy Stringency, Enforcement, and COVID\u201119 Mortality Across the American States”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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America at 250<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Reflections on the Ideals and Legacy of the Declaration of Independence<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 9th \u2013 UC 230 \u2013 4-5pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Professors Michelle D. Deardorff, Susan Eckelmann, Mark Johnson, Jeremy Strickler, and Michael Thompson<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Career Development Networking Event<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

April 10th \u2013 MCB 2nd<\/sup> floor \u2013 12-1pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join fellow PSPS students for an engaging networking session with professionals from nonprofits, government, law, and more. This is a great opportunity to practice your networking skills and explore potential career paths. Light refreshments will be provided.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Awards Day<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

April 10th \u2013 MCB 268 \u2013 3-4:30pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us as we honor the hard work, dedication, and outstanding achievements of our students.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Sweet Research Series<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Dr. Michelle Deardorff<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 20th \u2013 MCB 268 \u2013 11am<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Politics and Craft of Writing Textbooks”<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Mocs Go Vote 2026: Navigating Tennessee\u2019s Primaries and the Race to November<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

April 13th \u2013 Derthick 201 \u2013 12-1pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Please join the Department of Political Science and Public Service, in partnership with the Mocs Go Vote Committee, for an information session and forum to discuss the upcoming May and August primaries in Tennessee and a preview of November\u2019s midterm elections. Drs. Sarah Heise, Jeremy Strickler, and Chris Acuff will offer their expertise on the specific races and historical trends that could define this year\u2019s elections.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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County Primary Candidate Meet and Greet<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

April 14th \u2013 Lupton Hall Lobby (120)\u2013 6pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Meet local candidates running for Hamilton County Commission and School Board for UTC’s surrounding districts, as well as Hamilton County mayor. There will be opportunities to get to know candidates running for local office, and connect to support campaign activities if interested. Refreshments will be provided.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Dalton Roberts Lecture: Dr. Samuel Pomeroy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Why the World Has Many Nations: The Deep History of Political Plurality<\/p>\n\n\n\n

April 16th \u2013 Lupton 242 \u2013 6:30pm<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why is humanity divided into many nations rather than united under a single world authority? From the Tower of Babel to early modern political theory, thinkers have sought to explain the plurality of peoples, nations, and empires. This lecture traces a forgotten tradition that imagined the nations of the world as part of a larger cosmic order. This idea shaped how earlier generations understood sovereignty, territory, and the structure of global politics.<\/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. Michelle Evans<\/h2>

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Dr. Michelle Evans has been recognized for her scholarly contribution to the recently published book LGBTQIA+ Communities, Pandemics, and Policy Responses. Her chapter, titled The LGBTQIA+ Experience of HIV\/AIDS, explores the historical and policy dimensions of the HIV\/AIDS crisis and its impact on LGBTQIA+ communities.

The book has been selected to receive the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) LGBT Advocacy Alliance Section\u2019s Best Book Award at the 2026 ASPA Annual Conference in Hollywood, California. This recognition highlights the significance of Dr. Evans\u2019 work and its contribution to advancing understanding at the intersection of public policy, public health, and LGBTQIA+ advocacy.<\/p><\/div>