Department of Political Science

College of Humanities and Sciences

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Dulanda Saintcyr

African American studies and political science alum channels research skills to gauge public opinion

April 22, 2026

Dulanda Saintcyr (B.A.’23) focuses her research work in politics and advocacy for Hart Research

Queani Johnson

Five Questions with African American studies and political science major Queani Johnson

April 21, 2026

Queani Johnson will pursue law school after the completion of her undergraduate studies

A new series by the College of Humanities and Sciences, America at 250 is exploring the past, present and future of U.S. democracy as the nation approaches a milestone anniversary. (Getty Images)

VCU series on democracy marks America’s 250th anniversary

April 3, 2026

With public events and online offerings, the College of Humanities and Sciences program explores how ideals are evolving.

In her latest book, “The Accused,” VCU author Jessica Trisko Darden examines the wide range of women accused of participating in Nazi-era crimes. (Contributed images)

VCU author’s new book sheds light on Nazi women and war crimes

March 24, 2026

In ‘The Accused,’ political science professor Jessica Trisko Darden puts gender, power and justice into context.

A man in a pink sweatshirt smiles and holds a camera next to a photo of Vladimir Putin hanging on the wall

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'Mr. Nobody Against Putin'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

A man in a flannel robe stands beside an older-model sedan in the middle of a desert highway, aiming a rifle with one hand and raising a cylindrical object in the other

2026 Oscar Review: 'One Battle After Another'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

A man with a beard stands beside a mid-20th Century payphone, holding the receiver up to his ear

2026 Oscar Reviews: 'The Secret Agent'

March 10, 2026

On March 15, the 98th Academy Awards will showcase the best – and most talked-about – films of the year. Ahead of Hollywood’s biggest night, some VCU professors shared their thoughts on films that aligned with their area of expertise and will be in contention in a variety of categories.

Payton Hardinge, an alum and grad student at VCU, has embraced the critical importance of fundraising to health care in her position as senior director of development for Children’s Hospital Foundation. (Dean Hoffmeyer, Enterprise Marketing and Communications)

As her VCU roots deepen, so does her fundraising for pediatric care

Feb. 24, 2026

Payton Hardinge went from student to staff in 2011, and her work at Children’s Hospital Foundation is funding advances in muscular dystrophy research, family support and other areas.

We are “far better at building these systems than at governing them,” VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold said about political chatbots. (Getty Images)

Here are five primary dangers from political AI chatbots, VCU expert Jason Ross Arnold says

Feb. 5, 2026

The political science professor also shares advice – and a stark warning about the threat to democracy.

Alexander Campbell sits on the floor of the Virginia House of Delegates. Campbell has been involved in the political process since he was 9 and today works for Del. Elizabeth Bennett-Parker. (Contributed image)

Justice, education and advocacy propel Alexander Campbell

Jan. 28, 2026

The senior, who led the push for new state legislation when he was a child, today serves on the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities and works for a member of the Virginia House of Delegates – among many other efforts.