East Stroudsburg University Student Gets First-Hand Look at Political Process by Running for Public Office

Ryan Stevens, a senior who is majoring in political science at East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania (ESU), is getting a first-hand look at the workings of government by running for public office. Stevens was among the top vote getters on the Republican ticket in the East Stroudsburg school board primary in May. He is among six candidates who will vie in the general election in November for four school board seats.

Stevens graduated from East Stroudsburg High School in 2010 and many of his views about the issues facing the school system have their origins in his experience as a student in the district.

“I am running for the East Stroudsburg School Board because I know I can make a positive change,” said Stevens. “When I initially heard there were four spots up for election this year, I thought it would be a great opportunity to take what I have learned at East Stroudsburg University as a political science student and apply it to real world situations, in order to help benefit my community. I thought about my time in the district, where I graduated from in 2010, and I thought about some things that could be changed. A fresh perspective is something that most school boards lack, and that is what I will bring to the table if elected in November.”

Stevens feels running for office complements his ESU studies.

“The political science professors at ESU are absolutely wonderful and extremely knowledgeable. Instead of taking their teachings and waiting for a degree next May, it is time for me to use what I have learned in order to give back to the school district that gave me such a good educational foundation.”

Although it is his first time running for office it is not his first foray into politics.

“I wrote myself in in last April’s (2012) primary for ‘Republican Committeeman,’ which I actually won. There was no name on the ballot, so I wrote my name in, not thinking I would actually receive a phone call a few weeks later informing me that I had won. As a result, I became a committeeman representing my township, with the Monroe County Republican Committee. This has allowed me to see grassroots politics at its finest and has helped me apply what I have learned at ESU in a practical manner.”

During his time at ESU, Stevens has also had opportunities to observe government operations and processes. He was among seven ESU students who traveled to Washington, D.C. in January to participate in The Washington Center (TWC) Presidential Inauguration Seminar. The group toured the D.C. area, and heard political leaders and White House news correspondents discuss presidential campaigns, elections and national policy. At the end of the seminar the students attended the inauguration of President Barack Obama on Monday, January 21.

In April, ESU hosted a gathering of students from nearly 20 universities in Europe and the United States for the International European Union Simulation (Eurosim), a rigorous four-day exercise that strives to enhance knowledge of the European Union (EU). Stevens was the American student director of the ESU Eurosim gathering, and helped prepare and oversee the logistics of the simulation, which focused on international law, diplomatic protocol, and diplomatic procedures by negotiating real problems and issues presented to the delegates.

Kimberly S. Adams, Ph.D., an ESU associate professor of political science and campus liaison to TWC, an educational non-profit, non-partisan organization that provides thousands of students from hundreds of colleges and universities nationally and worldwide with specialized internship opportunities in Washington D.C., and abroad, said she was proud of Stevens’ accomplishment.

“I’m extremely proud of Ryan’s success in the primaries,” said Dr. Adams. “I witnessed him campaigning at two major events and he demonstrated great poise, maturity and a commanding knowledge of the issues facing the East Stroudsburg school district.  His tireless efforts, youthfulness and willingness to listen, will bode well as he prepares for the November election.  I know that he will be a huge asset to the board.”

The ESU Department of Political Science curriculum comprises the systematic study of the theory and practice of politics at various levels – domestic, foreign, and international. Depending on their interests, undergraduates can focus on questions of a theoretical nature, the role and performance of political institutions and political systems, or the behavior of individuals and groups. Undergraduate bachelor of arts degrees are offered in: politics and government, public administration, and pre-law and in an accelerated law program with Widener University. Undergraduates can also minor in political science. ESU also offers several graduate programs: management and leadership in public administration (M.S.) and political science (M.A. and M.Ed.).

For more information about the ESU Department of Political Science, please visit www4.esu.edu/pols or call 570-422-3286.

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