Students in Focus
Teaching and mentoring students is our passion in the Political Science department, but don’t just take our word for it…
My name is Ingrid Castrillo, I am originally from Puebla, Mexico. I am a double major in International Studies and Political Science. When I first transferred to UALR I had a strong interest in international affairs, politics, and U.S. foreign policy. I was very confused about which path to follow towards a career, however, I was introduced to one of the most professional, yet caring bodies at UALR, the Political Science department. My professors not only became my mentors, but also motivated me to become better.
The department of Political Science provides students with the opportunity to be part of different student organizations, such as the Political Science Honor Society. They are dedicated professors who are willing to cooperate with students to provide them with a high quality education. I am extremely grateful for being part of the Political Science department.
I am originally from central Kentucky and have been a student at UALR since 2007. I am a Donaghey Scholar double majoring in Political Science and Spanish. I would recommend UALR to anyone because of all the opportunities that it has given me. I interned last fall with a campaign fundraiser and the Republican Party of Arkansas, which not only gave me a great experience, but also helped me to meet several prominent leaders in the community. After graduating from UALR, I plan on attending law school and eventually I want to run for office. My internship was a good step toward accomplishing my goals. Additionally, this past summer I studied abroad in Salamanca, Spain for 6 weeks, and also had the opportunity to travel around Europe. It was the chance of a lifetime.
I have also won several scholarships since I have been here. For example, this fall I received the Bill Gwatney Memorial Scholarship from the Political Science department, and two scholarships from the Republican Party of Arkansas. Finally, I am a member of both the Political Science Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, and chair of the College Republicans on campus.
–Sarah Cook, Political Science and Spanish Major
I am a sophomore at UALR and in the Donaghey Scholar Program. My current major is political science and my minor is presidential studies. I began my journey in politics when I was 16. I interned at the Democratic Party of Arkansas under Bill Gwatney, worked as a field director for a local state representative race, and interned at the Clinton Foundation where I was able to interact directly with President bill Clinton. When I arrived at UALR, I was sure of my major. After one year at UALR, the political science department has already offered many unique experiences – the opportunity to research at the Clinton Presidential Library, a course on first ladies, a full scholarship to intern in Washington D.C. this fall semester, an internship with Secretary of State candidate Pat O’Brien, and the chance to staff Lt. Governor Bill Halter at a Senate debate hosted at UALR.
Using skills from my Internship class last semester, I was able to spend the summer in Washington D.C. working at a PAC fundraising firm for over fourteen different members of congress and four congressional candidates. I have recently been reelected as vice chair of the Saline County Democratic Women, Saline County Democratic Central committeewoman, and State Committeewoman for the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Thanks to the UALR Political Science department, I am in Washington D.C. for the fall semester with the Washington Center Program. I am excited to be interning at WEAVE (Women Empowered Against Violence) where I will be working for women’s justice. I look forward to more opportunities over the next few years with the UALR Political Science department.
–Hope Brookins, Political Science Major
I came to UALR needing just two years to complete my degree in the fall of 2009 at the age of twenty-five. When I started back I had a four month old daughter and at that point I knew I needed to finish college, not just for me now, but for her too. I would like to say that it hasn’t been tough. But it has. I thought I would feel odd being older than the other students, but I feel right at home here. The Political Science Department offers a variety of interesting and challenging courses. It is extremely easy to find classes in the areas that are interesting to you. I believe I have had at least one class with each of the Professors in the department and would enjoy taking many more.
I sometimes wonder how much sooner I would have graduated if I had started with classes in Political Science at UALR in the fall of 2002. I have not been to every university in the state, but I can still say with confidence that UALR is the best university in the state if you are interested in a Political Science major. If you come to UALR and have a political science minor in mind, be prepared to change it to your major. Not only is the Political Science Department and Faculty absolutely outstanding, but Little Rock is the best location for the best political science internships in the state. Right now I am living out my dream by working behind the scenes on Blanche Lincoln’s Senate campaign. I am building a network that will set the foundations of my future. I am realizing my dreams and it is all due to the encouragement, knowledge, and support I receive from the UALR Political Science Department.
–Cortney Warwick, Political Science Major