political science

COSSPP Honors 2024 Distinguished Alumni

Each year, the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy presents its Distinguished Alumni Awards to accomplished individuals to recognize their professional achievements, contributions to society, and support of the college and university.

We are pleased to honor our newest Distinguished Alumni — John E. Dailey, Renisha Gibbs, Vincent S. Long, and Kathy Mears — at the College’s Distinguished Alumni Gala in Spring 2025.

Alumni Spotlight: Malik Moore

Malik Moore – an FSU alumnus [B.S. Political Science ’20 and Master’s of Applied American Politics and Policy (MAAPP) ’23] – was recently appointed as the youngest member of the Racial Reconciliation Committee for the City of Tampa. 

Formed in May 2024, the committee aims to research the effects of systematic discrimination and develop proposals to address affordable housing, development, youth empowerment, services for previously incarcerated individuals, and ignored areas of history. Moore was one of thirteen people to receive this position.

COSSPP Celebrates 50 Years of Excellence

Established as the College of Social Sciences in the fall of 1973 as part of a university-wide academic reorganization, our college began with just five departments: economics, geography, government (now political science), sociology, and urban and regional planning.

There’s been much growth over the years, with 12 departments and interdisciplinary programs now housed within the college, along with 11 centers and institutes.

Alumni Spotlight: Matthew Becker

Matthew Becker, Ph.D. – two-time FSU alumnus (B.S. Political Science ’07 & M.S. International Affairs ’09) – was nominated by the U.S. Department of State to serve as a member of the U.S. Delegation to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) as an international election observer for the June 2 local election. He served with the OSCE’s Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights’ Election Observation Mission to Serbia, for the country’s June elections.

COSSPP History Series: Political Science

The Department of Political Science within the College of Social Science and Public Policy has a rich history dating back to Florida State University’s genesis. While courses exploring government, law, and politics can be found as far back as the very first university bulletin in 1851, the Department of Political Science was established in 1947, when the Florida State College for Women became Florida State University. Under the leadership of Marian D. Irish, Ph.D., the department began with only six faculty members. Dr. Irish would serve as the department chair until her retirement in 1966. The current Political Science Department Chair Brad Gomez, Ph.D., leads the department as it continues to ascend in prestige to this day.