We’re so excited to welcome a standout incoming class this fall to CSU’s Political Science department—especially those pursuing the Law, Politics, and Government concentration.
If you’re thinking law school, @coloradostateuniversity is where it starts. From one-on-one pre-law advising to internships and a built-in community, you’ll get the experience (and edge) you need.
We can’t wait to see you on campus in the fall!
Today, we had the honor of conferring the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters upon former Colorado Gov. William “Bill” Ritter, Jr. — a proud CSU alum who shares our deep belief that education, public service, and civic responsibility are essential to a thriving democracy.
Raised on a small farm in Colorado as one of 12 children, he learned early the values of hard work, fairness, and community. He earned his bachelor’s degree in political science from CSU, followed by a law degree from the University of Colorado before launching a career defined by service to others. In 1987, after practicing law for five years, he and his wife Jeannie moved to Africa for three years to run a nutrition center in the rural parts of Western Zambia.
As Denver’s District Attorney for more than a decade, Gov. Ritter earned national recognition as an innovative and principled prosecutor. He established one of the nation’s first drug courts, strengthened victim-services programs, and led efforts to hold violent and white-collar criminals accountable — work that not only advanced the principle of “equal justice for all,” but also enhanced public trust in democratic institutions.
In 2007, he became the 41st Governor of our state. During his term, he worked across political and geographic divides to expand access to education, increase investment in Colorado’s public colleges and universities, and position our state as a national leader in clean and renewable energy.
Throughout his career, Gov. Ritter has exhibited his belief that democracy depends on informed citizens, ethical leadership, and institutions willing to serve the public good. These are the same principles that live at the heart of CSU’s mission.
Following his service as governor, he returned to CSU to found the Center for the New Energy Economy. He led the center until 2024, and his work brought together leaders from across the political spectrum to craft pragmatic, bipartisan energy and climate policy. In all he does, he models the respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving that democracy requires.
Congratulations, Dr. Ritter. We’re so proud to call you a Ram. 🐏
Meet Nate Boyce, the College of Liberal Arts’ Outstanding Graduate selected by CSU!
As a firefighter and paramedic with Adams County Fire Rescue, Nate Boyce has built a career around serving others.
After earning his bachelor’s degree in political science, Nate took an unconventional path — choosing emergency response over careers in government, law or lobbying.
Now, as he earns his Master of Public Policy and Administration from CSU, Nate is preparing to expand his impact through leadership in emergency services.
Encouraged by a mentor, Nate discovered a passion for the administrative side of the fire service, including managing grants, balancing budgets and writing policies. During his time at CSU, he completed an internship with the City of Wheat Ridge and developed a capstone project that will help improve EMS operations at Adams County Fire Rescue.
“I’m hopeful that the knowledge I’ve gained in this program will prepare me to hit the ground running, ready to solve problems in innovative but grounded ways,” Nate said.
Read more at the link in our bio 🔗 #RamGrad
It’s time for our very last PA takeover of the semester — commencement week edition! 🎓
To finish off this series just in time for commencement, we’re following along with Joseph Godshall, a graduating senior and second-year PA majoring in Political Science and minoring in Business Administration.
From serving as @ascsu Student Body Vice President to interning at the CSU Alumni Association and the Colorado State Capitol, Joseph’s week is packed with leadership, service and plenty of Ram Pride. Follow along as he balances classes, internships, campus involvement and celebrates his final weeks at CSU before graduation.
As we wrap up this takeover series, I want to give a huge thank you to all of our Presidential Ambassadors who shared their experiences with us. Your passion for CSU and dedication to this program do not go unnoticed. And to our graduating PAs — congratulations! 🐏💚
Go Rams!
Today is CSU’s Day of Giving! 💚💛🐏
Join fellow Rams in supporting the programs that empower students to lead, engage, and strengthen civic life at CSU and beyond. Your gift helps expand opportunities through initiatives like the Democracy Summit and Democracy Fellows program.
You can support @csuliberalarts by giving to one of our featured funds:
▪️ Ann Gill Hall
▪️ Democracy Initiatives
▪️ Liberal Arts Emergency Fund
Thank you for investing in dialogue, leadership, and the future of democracy at CSU.
https://give.colostate.edu/rams-rise-2026
🎉Big congratulations to our own Professor Peter Harris, recipient of the Gordon and Joan Bishop Professorship as part of the 2026 CSU Provost Awards!
This prestigious three-year professorship recognizes faculty who demonstrate excellence across CSU’s mission—outstanding teaching, impactful research, and meaningful outreach and engagement. It also provides annual support to advance scholarly work and innovation.
Please join us in celebrating this well-deserved recognition and Professor Harris’s contributions to our department and university community!
Congratulations to the College of Liberal Arts honorees recognized with 2026 CSU Provost Awards:
🏆️ Gordon and Joan Bishop Professorship
Dr. Peter Harris, Associate Professor of @csupolisci
🏆️ Faculty Excellence: Research Scholar
Dr. Cayla Bellamy-Lanz, Associate Professor of @csusmtd
🏆️ Oliver P. Pennock Distinguished Service Award
Dr. Adam Thomas, Associate Teaching Professor of @csu_history
🏆️ University Distinguished Professor
Dr. Joel Bacon, Professor of @csusmtd
Their passion for teaching, research and service inspires our entire community. They make CLA proud!
Political Science alum Aidan Lyde (’23) is putting his degree to work where it matters most.
As Climate Adaptation and Water Resources Planner at Denver Water, he applies his background in environmental policy to help communities prepare for and respond to the challenges of climate change.
Lead with purpose.
Starting Fall 2026, apply for the Certificate in Public Service Leadership—a 15-credit program preparing you for careers in government, nonprofits, and public policy.
Build skills in policy analysis, leadership, and real-world problem-solving while exploring how government impacts everyday life.
Contact Sam Houghteling to learn more: [email protected]
Cue the trombone...it’s Elena’s turn for a PA takeover!
This week, we’re highlighting Elena Crooks, a third-year student and second-year Presidential Ambassador double majoring in Trombone Performance and Political Science. 🎶⚖️
From music studios and midterms to weekend dance nights, working at a local law firm and staying involved with Kappa Kappa Psi, Elena shows us what it can look like to stay engaged, passionate and connected within our community as a Ram. We’ll be seeing a lot more of Elena as she steps into her role next semester as the PA Marketing and Communications Chair.
Be sure to follow @Presidential_Ambassadors to learn more and keep up with more PA takeovers as the semester wraps up. Go Rams! 💚
New research from our own Matt Hitt explores how partisanship is reshaping public trust in the U.S. Supreme Court.
In Supremely Polarizing, Hitt and co-author Nicholas T. Davis draw on original survey data to show that Americans’ views of the Court are increasingly filtered through partisan identity—raising important questions about the Court’s legitimacy and the future of American democracy.
Downloads of the book are free until April 20! Link in profile.
