September 17, 2024
Oakland University Professor of Political Science Terri Towner, Ph.D. was elected the 46th President of Pi Sigma Alpha, the national political science honor society.
Towner will serve as president of the Pi Sigma Alpha Council from 2024-2026.
“I am incredibly honored to serve as the president of Pi Sigma Alpha,” Towner said. “Having worked as a chapter advisor at Oakland University and as the Undergraduate Journal of Politics editor, I’ve seen firsthand the honor society’s impact in recognizing and fostering academic excellence in political science. I’m excited to continue working with our outstanding students and faculty to further our mission and promote the highest levels of academic achievement.”
Towner co-edited "The Internet and the 2020 Campaign" and "The Internet and the 2016 Presidential Campaign."
Towner is the co-editor-in-chief of the "Journal of Information Technology and Politics," which publishes research on how information technology (IT) influences politics and government and how politics and government influence the development and use of IT.
She previously served as the chair of the Information Technology and Politics section of the American Political Science Association. Towner has published in numerous journals, including “Social Media + Society,” “The Social Science Computer Review,” “The Journal of Political Marketing,” “The Journal of Women,” “Politics & Policy,” “New Media & Society” and “The Journal of Political Science Education.” Her research focuses on the role of social media in campaigns and elections, centering on digital platforms such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
“Over the years, Dr. Towner has shown incredible dedication to the success of Pi Sigma Alpha, and we are excited and very lucky to have her at the helm” said Tanya Schwarz, Pi Sigma Alpha executive director.
Towner has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to Pi Sigma Alpha over the past 14 years. From 2010 to 2020, she served as Pi Sigma Alpha Chapter Advisor for the Nu Omega chapter at Oakland University. During her time as an advisor, the Nu Omega Chapter earned nine Best Chapter Awards for high levels of creativity and programming. From 2013 to 2020, Towner was also the faculty editor in chief of the "Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Journal of Politics," overseeing the publication of the Centennial Issue in 2020. She also served as a Pi Sigma Alpha National Executive Council member from 2012 to 2022 and as president-elect from 2022-2024.
Pi Sigma Alpha was founded in 1920 and has inducted more than 300,000 members in that time. Notable members include former Supreme Court Justice William Rehnquist, Nobel laureate Ralph Bunche, Senator Susan Collins, Representative Ilhan Omar, immigration activist Cristina Jiménez Moreta and Jewel Limar Prestage, the first African-American woman to receive a doctorate in political science in the U.S.
Pi Sigma Alpha is the only honor society for college students of political science and government in the United States. With chapters on more than 830 campuses across the United States, Canada and Mexico, the organization brings together students and faculty interested in the study of government and politics. Pi Sigma Alpha is a member of the Association of College Honor Societies (ACHS).