In support of its mission, the Michigan Political Science Association presents several awards. The Undergraduate Student Paper Award is presented annually for the best undergraduate course paper submitted for consideration. The Graduate Student Paper Award is presented annually for the best graduate student paper presented at the association’s annual meeting. The Excellence in Teaching Award recognizes excellence and innovation in instruction. The association honors those who have made notable contributions to the association through its Founders Award.
Undergraduate Student Paper Award
The Undergraduate Student Paper Award is presented annually for the best undergraduate course paper submitted for consideration. Two awards are given, one for community college students and one for four-year college or university students. Only students from current member institutions are eligible for these awards. Undergraduate papers must be nominated by an instructor.
Eligible papers are those written to meet the requirements of an undergraduate political science course taught in the state of Michigan during the previous academic year. Honors theses revised under the auspices of faculty members are not eligible for the award. Papers must be nominated by the instructor of the course.
The deadline for nomination is September 26, 2025.
Graduate Student Paper Award
The Graduate Student Paper Award is presented annually for the best graduate student paper presented at the association’s annual meeting. To be considered for the award, a paper must be submitted via this form by the due date for submissions. Graduate papers may be self-nominated.
The paper must be presented as part of the official program of the conference. All participating graduate students are eligible for this award.
The deadline for nomination is September 26, 2025.
Excellence in Teaching Award
The Michigan Political Science Association (MIPSA) Excellence in Teaching Award aims to highlight excellence and innovation in teaching political science in Michigan. We especially encourage peer or self-nomination from scholars at community colleges, liberal arts institutions, and from un-tenured and/or contingent faculty. Graduate students are ellgible for the award.
The deadline for nomination is September 26, 2025.
Founders Award
The Founders Award is presented to members of MIPSA for outstanding contributions to the discipline of Political Science and to the work of the association. These contributions include participation, leadership, scholarship, and support for the enhancement of the study of political science.
Past Recipients
2024: Douglas Carr, Oakland University
2023: Judith Kullberg, Eastern Michigan University
2022: Kurt Troutman, Muskegon Community College
2018: David Dulio, Oakland University
2017: John Parham, South University
2016: Gary Johnson, Lake Super State University
2015: John Clark, Western Michigan University
2014: Not Awarded
2013: Not Awarded
2012: Roger Durham, Aquinas College
2011: James Penning, Calvin College
2010: Corwin Schmidt, Calvin College
2009: Not Awarded
2008: Dina Krois, Lansing Community College
2007: Don Anderson, University of Michigan-Dearborn
2006: Nancy Kinney, Washtenaw Community College; Ron Stockton, University of Michigan-Dearborn
2005: Paul Rozycki, Mott Community College
2004: Helen Graves, University of Michigan-Dearborn; Edward Lorenz, Alma College
2003: Peter Kobrak, Western Michigan University; Mary Young, Southwestern Michigan College
2002: John Smith, Henry Ford Community College and University of Detroit
2001: Ellis Perlman, University of Michigan-Flint; Ken Verburg, Michigan State University