Truman School of Government and Public Affairs

Dr. Paul Wallace, emeritus professor of Political Science, an expert in India and South Asian politics, international relations and terrorism, author of eight books and nearly 50 book chapter and articles and beloved by generations of students, passed away on Feb. 22, 2020 in Columbia.

Wallace taught at MU for nearly 40 years, from 1964-2002, serving as department chair and director of international studies, among other duties. Wallace retired in 2005 but continued to teach classes in MU’s Honors College.

Graduate research assistant, Liam Redinger, has published a policy brief, “Promoting the Least Restrictive Environment: The Impact of Restraint and Seclusion Policies on Students with Disabilities”. Redinger, a Master’s Student at the Truman School of Public Affairs, presents this brief at an important moment for the state of Missouri. On December 3rd, 2019, Missouri House Bills 1568 and 1569 were pre-filed, each proposing modifications to state provisions relating to seclusion and restraint policies in public schools.

U.S. Air Force Colonel Bryan Watson (BA Geography, ’93) received the MU College of Arts and Science 2020 Distinguished Alumni Award on Feb. 21, 2020, and the Political Science Department hosted a reception in his honor.

This distinguished award recognizes individuals who have brought distinction to themselves and to A&S through their accomplishments.

Mark C. White, State Specialist for Labor and Workforce Development and Interim Director of IPP, shone a spotlight on Missouri's static economy in a report entitled "Gross Domestic Product Trends in Missouri" last month. The brief highlights important GDP trends for Missouri and compares its progress against neighboring states and US Metro regions growthwise since the recession.

Congratulations to Kati Abbott, winner of the first College of Arts and Science Advisor of the Year Award!

Kati was officially recognized at 3 p.m on Feb. 18 in Jesse Wrench Auditorium as part of Arts and Science week. https://coas.missouri.edu/event/arts-and-science-week-2020

Associate Professor of Political Science, Stephen L. Quackenbush was invited to give the keynote address at a December 2019 conference at the Center for Security and Strategic Research in Latvia. The title of his address was International Conflict, Logic, and Deterrence.

Despite the proven benefits of career and technical education (CTE), many Missourians seem to have misconceptions about its worth in preparing the state’s future workforce. Two TSPA faculty members—Dr. Robert Russell and Dr. Mark White—worked with the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education to analyze the results of a statewide survey about perceptions of CTE.

The December 3, Inside Mizzou podcast featured 2 MSA leaders: President Jennifer Sutterer, a senior double majoring in political science and philosophy; and Senate Speaker Jacob Addington, a senior majoring in journalism. The ins and outs of the legislative process as well as the many unique ways MSA contributes to life at Mizzou are discussed.