Student Success
Many of our Political Science students are outstanding, and have excelled both in the classroom and in a variety of extra-curricular activities. Our alumni have built on their education at SRU and have continued in successful careers. Please take a look at a few of our recent students and some of our alumni stories.
Abby Thomas
Graduated: May 2022
Political Science and Criminal Justice Dual Major, Philosophy Minor
Currently: Law Student at The George Washington University Law School
The SRU Political Science Department has been instrumental in developing me not only as a student, but also as an individual. Throughout my time at SRU I had the opportunity to learn from each Political Science professor, and all were exceptional. Each professor has a specific area of concentration, allowing the department to offer a variety of courses in different topics. In my experience, each professor was passionate about what they were teaching and were always willing to discuss the material further. This enthusiasm enhanced my learning experience, motivating me to take a special interest in classes. Because of the professors’ willingness to allow students to often choose topics of particular importance to them when writing papers or researching, I was able to incorporate my own background, experience, and interests into my studies. Further, the clubs and organizations through the department allowed me to grow outside of the classroom. Specifically, the Debate Society offered me the opportunity to develop my speaking, writing, and argumentation skills while bonding with my team from Slippery Rock and other students across the country. Not to mention, the team trips to our favorite restaurants (a commonly debated topic in itself), late nights of debate jokes in the hotel, and the most enjoyable bus rides to tournaments were some of my favorite undergraduate memories. As an individual, the department taught me to be mindful of other’s perspectives, to listen to and understand views of which I may not agree, and to work to understand the way different variables overlap to create social, economic, and political positions in society. Finally, the department provided me with four years of an academic community where it was encouraged to ask questions, where it was okay to have unpopular opinions, and where professors and students could work together to create a valuable learning environment. As a law student, I have already had the opportunity to use the public speaking, writing, and professionalism skills I developed through the SRU Political Science Department, and I am confident these skills will continue to be vital to my future.
Daniel Petrelli
Graduated: December 2017
Current Job Title: Senior Consultant, Witt O’Brien’s, LLC
I was an average performing student when I arrived, but I was willing to put in the work to improve. The professors in the Political Science Department noticed that and helped me become a better student and future professional. The Department helped me build a foundation that was responsible for my success in graduate school and my professional career. For the past three years, I have been in the field of Federal Grants Management. I get to help communities develop and successfully implement programs funded by federal grants. I am forever grateful for the Department’s dedication and investment in my education and success.
Alexander Hiller
Political Science & Philosophy Dual Major
For his SRU Success Story, click here.
Nicole Geyer
Graduated May 2013
University of Pittsburgh Law School
The Political Science Department was my family in college. The faculty, my peers, and my classes within the department facilitated my growth throughout college and gave me a path to continue to succeed through all my new ventures. Without the professors, now whom I am privileged to call friends, I would in now way be where I am today. Specifically I owe much of what I learned in in college to Dr. Heather Frederick and Dr. Dave Kershaw: they both challenged me and forced me to grow throughout my time in the Political Science Department. My favorite memories in the department all took place in the Political Science lounge. It was a great place to relax, discuss, debate, and vent with my peers.
Paige Niezelski
Graduated: May 2013
Current Job Title: English Teacher at Winner's Club Academy in Daegu, South Korea
The greatest gift the political science department gave me was the ability to be tolerant. In a world where there are many different opinions, cultures, and worldviews, tolerance is needed for a progressive future. My favorite thing about the political science department is the sense of community. My fellow classmates would help each other proofread papers, and when someone got an A on a Frederick assignment there were high fives all throughout the office! Everyone is supportive and wants you to succeed. Likewise, the professors always have their doors open if you need help on an assignment or if you want to share a funny story from the weekend. There is no community on Slippery Rock's campus like the political science community! It is more than just a major, it is a support group, a debate club, a book club, a safe space, and a home on campus. When you leave Slippery Rock not only will you have the title of SRU graduate, but you will be a proud SRU polyscion (I may have created a new word) for life!
Michael Wolf
Michael Wolf, the former Secretary of Pennsylvania's Department of Health and a Slippery Rock University bachelor of arts in political science graduate, has joined KEPRO as its vice president for government relations. In his new position, Wolf is responsible for managing KEPRO's public affairs efforts nationally on a wide range of issues including access to care and integration of care issues in public healthcare payer programs. In his previous position as the commonwealth's top health regulator, Wolf was committed to modernizing Pennsylvania's health care system. Those efforts included increasing access to health care in rural and underserved areas by providing additional medical services, increasing funding to community health centers, improving telemedicine, and expanding programs that help attract and retain health care practitioners. KEPRO, Inc. is a leading quality improvement and care management organization.
GOOD NEWS ANNOUNCEMENTS
Hansen-Turton named chief operating officer at PHMC
Tine Hansen-Turton, a 1992 Slippery Rock University graduate who majored in political science, was recently promoted to chief operating officer at Philadelphia-based Public Health Management Corporation. In her new position, Hansen-Turton will provide oversight of operations, strategy, business development, mergers and affiliations and innovation support to the $230+ million nonprofit and public health foundation. She also provides chief executive management and leadership, policy and administrative support for National Nursing Centers Consortium and Convenient Care Association.
An international student from Denmark, she is a 2010 SRU Distinguished International Alumni Award recipient. In addition to her SRU degree, Hansen-Turton earned a Juris Doctor from Temple University's James E. Beasley School of Law and a master of arts in government/public administration from the University of Pennsylvania's Fels Institute. PHMC is a nonprofit public health institute that creates and sustains healthier communities. PHMC uses best practices to improve community health through direct service, partnership, innovation, policy, research, technical assistance and a prepared workforce.