Department of Political & Global Affairs (PGA) News
Welcome to the Department of Political and Global Affairs at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) News Page! You can read updates about PGA students and faculty and stay connected with the department. For alumni updates, please visit Spotlight on Graduates.
Student News
PGA graduate Kara Walden hosted current student Dayan at the State of Tennessee Department of General Services for an afternoon of job shadowing. Dayan was able to shadow Kara and Commissioner Kidd and to meet Governor Bill Lee!
MTSU/PGA News: The Student Government Association election results are in! Did you know PGA has a decent showing?
In fact, the new SGA President is our own Kennedy Garrett, a Political Science – Public Policy and Management major!
MTSU Mock Trial recently wrapped up their competitive season in Spring 2026 at the AMTA Regional competition in Knoxville, TN. Jessie Dicker received a best attorney award, and Henry Vance received a best witness award.
Legal Studies Society, Mock Trial, and PGA recently welcomed MT/PGA graduate Cate Farone, Esq. for a guest speaking event about law school, the legal profession, and her experiences at MTSU!
Two MAIA International Students went to an intensive training seminar in Washington, DC in late 2025. MTSU News recently covered their experience attending the Washington Center Nonprofit Leadership & Advocacy Seminar, which you can read more about here: https://mtsunews.com/international-affairs-washington-center-seminar/
MTSU Model United Nations has restarted their organization and begun training to participate in competitions across the southeast US. Their first competition will be at the University of Virginia in late March 2026! Interested in participating? Follow them on IG at @mtsu.mun and get in touch!
The Mu Zeta Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. has organized a civil engagement panel on campus on April 2, 2026. This forum will bring together elected officials, campus organizations, and student leaders for meaningful dialogue on civic engagement and the power of participation. Featuring: Rep. Aftyn Behn Rep. Mike Sparks Rep. Vincent Dixie
In December 2025, MTSU’s delegation to the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature, an annual competitive event that allows college students from across Tennessee to step into the roles of legislators, lobbyists and attorneys while debating and shaping mock legislation.
Throughout the week, students drafted bills, participated in floor debates, questioned legislation, and collaborated with peers from other universities.
MTSU sent a 17-member delegation to the conference. Those students are: Jorge Avila, Gavin Cooley, Nathan Duarte, Hannah Ferreira, Liz Gordon, Gael Avila Rojas, Victoria Grigsby, Brooke Hale, Denzel Harris, Annabelle Hillis, Ciin Kap, Maddy Lane, Deasia Powell, Farrah Renfroe, Chloe Rush, Amelia Sutherland, and Kaylee Wilson.
MTSU sent a 17-member delegation to the conference. Those students are: Jorge Avila, Gavin Cooley, Nathan Duarte, Hannah Ferreira, Liz Gordon, Gael Avila Rojas, Victoria Grigsby, Brooke Hale, Denzel Harris, Annabelle Hillis, Ciin Kap, Maddy Lane, Deasia Powell, Farrah Renfroe, Chloe Rush, Amelia Sutherland, and Kaylee Wilson. Any major can apply to participate in TISL. It just so happens that many PGA students do it!
Several MTSU students were recognized for their work during the conference. Denzel Harris received the Carlisle Award, TISL’s highest honor recognizing outstanding legislators. Kaylee Wilson earned an Outstanding Lobbyist Award representing the Civil Policies Firm, and Liz Gordon received an Outstanding Lobbyist Award for her work with the Healthcare Firm. In addition, Hannah Ferreira was elected Speaker Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 2025–2026 TISL term.
Read more here: https://mtsunews.com/mtsu-tisl-2025/
Faculty News
Moderated by Dr. Joan McRae, this panel will offer insight into the political, historical, and military factors driving the crisis, providing valuable context for anyone interested in global affairs, security, international relations, or current events. PGA’s Dr. Andrei Korobkov will be on this panel Thursday, March 19 at 3PM in COE 160.
Did you know that the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence is being celebrated and explored further at MTSU this year? The American Democracy Project at MTSU @americandemocracymtsu, the University Honors College @mtsuhonors , and various MTSU Colleges & Departments, as well as community partners, are coming together this year to explore multitudes of themes related to the American Semiquincentennial Celebration. https://honors.mtsu.edu/lecture-series-spring-2026/
Find More Information
We can be reached at pga@mtsu.edu or you may visit this page to learn how to apply today!
Our social media accounts are under the handle @mtsupga. You can follow us for daily updates and news.
