Our Successful WCU Political Science Alums in Action!
Our Political Science alumni have gone on to successful careers in a variety of sectors
including academia, business, media and journalism, law, public administration, nonprofit
advocacy, government, public service, and politics. As a political science major,
our successful alums have excelled in the communication, analytical, and data skills
necessary to complete in our global environment. Our alums think critically and independently,
appreciate differing points of view, and are active across a range of local, state,
national and global communities. Not surprisingly, our alums are making a difference
across a wide range of careers and professions.
Our Political Science alums are pursuing professional careers in:
- Law (District Attorney, Private Sector, Para-legals)
- Politics (Campaigns, Legislative Aides, Elected Positions
- Public Service and Public Administration at all Governing Levels
- Business, Finance, and Consulting
- Community Service and Activism
- Government relations for Companies and Interest Associations
- Non-profit and Interest Group Advocacy
- Research (Polling Firms)
- Education (from Secondary Education, Administration, and Higher Education)
- Journalism, Media, and Communications
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Alumni Awards
Each year, the Department of Political Science acknowledges the distinguished alumni of our program with two awards.
The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes an alumnus/alumna with exemplary (quality and depth of) achievements over the span of a professional career. This award recognizes those who have had extraordinary success in the following arenas: professional achievement, public service, community involvement, and advancement of the University’s mission.
The Outstanding Young Alumni Award honors the achievements of more recent graduates up to the age of forty. This award spotlights leaders who have demonstrated early success in their professional community and show continued potential in their profession, commitment to their community and dedication to West Chester University.
Applications for nominations are solicited annually in the Spring.
The Department of Political Science Alumni Awards - 2025
The Department of Political Science Alumni Award Committee solicits nominations for the awards from all members of the broader West Chester University community. The committee reviews the materials submitted on each candidate and selects those candidates who are deemed most deserving of recognition and whose achievements most closely fit the category for which they have been nominated.
Political Science Alumni Award Nomination Form
Past Recipients
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI
- 2022 Honorable Judge Barry Dozer
- 2023 PA State Representative Tim Briggs
- 2024 Amy Yozviak
- 2024 Dr. Joshua Wiekert
OUTSTANDING YOUNG ALUMNI
- 2022 Laura Ness
- 2022 John O'Brien
- 2023 Ikedi Onyemaobim
- 2023 Chuck Leidike
- 2024 William Ferrell
Alumni Profiles
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Robin Reliford: 2001
Head of Health & Safety for World Strides (leading international education provider in the world).
Bio:
Robin is the Head of Health & Safety for WorldStrides. In her role, she is responsible for providing strategic leadership for WorldStrides’ emergency response and crisis management protocols and staying abreast of the most current health and safety issues in the education abroad field. Robin joined WorldStrides in 2015 when International Studies Abroad (ISA) was acquired. She is a seasoned global health, safety and risk management professional who has worked in international education for 15 years. Having held various positions within the field, including working for an institution abroad, Robin holds a deep appreciation for every facet of delivering quality educational travel experiences.
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Michael Fleming, M.Ed: 2014
ELA & Social Studies Teacher
Bio:
African American History Teacher, MLK High School, Philadelphia. Michael is making a difference in both within the school and within the larger community in Philadelphia. Michael too the unconventional route to complete his degree, but found a calling in the education field.
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Ashley Scott: 2024
Constituent Services Advocate for State Senator Carolyn Comitta
Bio:
Ashley Scott serves as a Constituent Services Advocate for state Senator Carolyn T. Comitta. In this role, she workw with constituents on concerns and issues related to government services and address state policies to improve the lives of Pennsylvanians. In addition, Ashley is pursuing a master's degree in Public Administration at Villanova University. At Villanova University, she is exploring the effectiveness of nonprofit caucuses and the need for a revitalized state grant and contract process in the nonprofit sector.
At West Chester University, Ashley was an active member of the Political Science Department, a member of the honors college, and a board member of Pi Sigma Alpha. Her undergraduate research was on gender politics and equitable education policies. She was one of four students selected for the Senior Leader Award in 2024, as well as an 1871 awardee. In addition, Ashley received the Adam Swope Scholarship Award and the Dr. Thomas Brady Award from the WCU Political Science Department.
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Matt Holliday: 2009
Executive Director for the Pennsylvania Bar Association
Bio:
Matt served locally as the Executive Director of the Chester County Bar Association and is someone who understands the many facets of leadership needed to successfully direct a member-driven organization. Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access of legal services; and serve the lawyer members of the state's largest organized bar association. Matt has a long history of service and community engagement both at the state and local level.
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John O’Brien: 2010
Executive Director - West Chester Business Improvement District
Bio:
John earned his Political Science degree in 2010 and then completed his MBA also at WCU. In his current role, John serves as spokesperson for the West Chester Business Improvement District. His role establishes and maintains strong partnerships among members, institutions & elected officials. In addition, John forecasts, analyzes and prepares WCBID budget and all financial documents working alongside Board Treasurer. John oversees WCBID Website and social media. Finally, he works with existing business’s to communicate and work together on marketing initiatives, developing events and marketing plans to promote and bring visitors into the downtown West Chester.
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