Dr. Byron D’Andra Orey, a political science professor at Jackson State College, has been elected president of the Southern Political Science Affiliation. In his new position, Orey now leads one of many nation’s oldest and largest political science organizations.
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“Being elected president of the is a profound honor that displays the belief and confidence my friends have positioned in me to steer this prestigious group,” Orey expressed following the announcement. His journey with the SPSA started 30 years in the past when he first joined the affiliation as a graduate scholar. Orey has served two phrases on the SPSA government committee and held varied management positions throughout its annual conferences.
The SPSA was based in 1929 to advance analysis and set skilled requirements within the area. Annually, the SPSA hosts an annual convention highlighting political science and associated analysis and publishes the “Journal of Politics,” which incorporates contributions from famend business professionals worldwide.
Orey will likely be instrumental in organizing and arranging the SPSA’s 2026 annual convention, which will likely be held in New Orleans, in his new position as president. Moreover, he’ll lead its subsequent digital assembly this summer time. His duties can even embrace making certain the group’s monetary stability, supporting applications to enhance the topic of political science, and dealing with different vital teams to advertise the occupation.
Placing a Highlight on JSU
“I hope to reinforce our understanding of political phenomena by bringing collectively students with various views and methodologies,” Orey acknowledged. He highlighted that whereas the affiliation has deep roots in southern politics, it’s a international platform that transcend regional boundaries. “This management position will convey vital publicity to Jackson State University, and enrich our college students’ understanding of political science,” he added.
The SPSA promotes varied political science fields and subfields, together with American politics, comparative politics, worldwide relations, public administration, and political idea.
Along with his presidential duties, Orey is making ready to launch “Mississippi, Battle and Change: A New Version,” an up to date model of James W. Loewen’s influential 1974 e book. The unique textbook affords a complete historical past of Mississippi, from prehistoric instances, specializing in the civil rights motion. Orey’s revised version guarantees to offer worthwhile insights into Mississippi’s up to date politics, tradition, and economic system, bringing the state’s historical past into the current. It’s set to be launched in August of this yr.
This text sources data from Jackson State College.