Published March 7, 2023
CAPTION: Back row L-R: Joanna Hunter, Owen Reppond, Dr. Leigh Hersey, Dr. Pearson Cross; Front row L-R: Anthony Trejo, Dr. John Sutherlin, Dr. Daniel Hummel
MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe proudly hosted the annual meeting of the Louisiana
Political Science Association on Friday, February 3, in the 6th floor Conference Room
of the University Library. Participants from throughout the state presented original
research on a variety of topics, including International Relations, Comparative Politics,
American Politics, and Public Administration. Presenters included undergraduate and
graduate students as well as faculty members from several different Louisiana universities
and programs, including ULM Political Science.
Joanna Hunter is a ULM MPA alumna and current Louisiana Tech doctoral student who
presented at the conference. “As a doctoral student, LPSA allowed me to present a piece of my research in an environment
that provides feedback and encouragement. It was also great to hear other students
and faculty from across the state share their knowledge. I enjoyed the experience,”
said Hunter.
The annual meeting also included presentations from undergraduate students like ULM
Political Science major Owen Reppond. Reppond says the conference broadened his view
of the field of political science and allowed him to receive valuable feedback from
professors. “This type of collaboration can be extremely useful for a political scientist
who is hoping to polish their research. I especially enjoyed the atmosphere of the
meeting, being that everyone was very kind and respectful to one another and provided
only constructive criticism and advice,” he added.
Dr. Jennifer Dumas, Assistant Professor of Political Science at ULM, serves as the
current President of the Louisiana Political Science Association. According to Dr.
Dumas, "It is critical that we bring together scholars from throughout the state,
from undergraduates to full professors, to demonstrate the kind of talent and exciting
research Louisiana is capable of producing. Conferences like this give participants
the opportunity to workshop their ideas before an audience that is truly committed
to offering constructive criticism, elevating the discourse, and sharing knowledge."
Reppond said that the conference left him feeling proud to be a part of ULM’s Political
Science Program. “I hope that more students take advantage of this amazing experience
in the coming years. I look forward to seeing the future of LPSA and encourage all
students of political science to try to experience the conference for themselves,”
he said.
