News
Retirement Tribute: Professor Erika King
November 11, 2020
After 25 years as a member of the Political Science faculty, Dr. Erika King announced her retirement from Grand Valley this summer. Professor King came to GVSU in 1995 to become chair of the Political Science department, which at the time had only a handful of faculty members but was poised for growth. By the time Professor King stepped away from the chair position in 2002, the Political Science faculty had more than doubled in size and had significantly expanded its areas of expertise and its diversity. Enrollment in the department’s programs had more than tripled.
In 2001, Professor King became Dean of the Social Sciences Division, overseeing five academic departments and four interdisciplinary programs, including many undergraduate majors and minors and a few graduate programs. Under her leadership, all of these areas saw significant growth. In her three years as Dean, Professor King appointed over 30 new faculty members to the Division.
With university reorganization in 2004 and the elimination of the Social Sciences Division, Professor King returned to the Political Science Department to teach her always-popular courses in politics and the media, campaigns and elections, and social science research methods. She also regularly taught the Introduction to American Politics for new students and the Political Science Capstone course for graduating seniors. In addition to her formal teaching and advising duties, Professor King served as informal mentor and adviser to countless students. Walking past her office just inside the main Political Science suite, one would frequently overhear her engaged in lengthy conversations with students about their backgrounds, goals, dreams, career possibilities, or current political affairs. Students who had been in her classes years earlier would regularly drop by to chat.
Professor King is a prolific scholar in the area of media and American politics. During her time at GVSU, she published two books and many journal articles and book chapters, in addition to regularly presenting her research at professional conferences. She is currently writing another book, co-authored with Professor Heather Tafel, on how Russian political leaders are portrayed in American media.
Because of this expertise, media outlets consistently sought out Professor King for her insights on American politics. Throughout her career, she frequently served as the “face” and “voice” of GVSU in television, radio, and print media, especially during election season. Her expert commentary in these forms and on numerous panel discussions has been a valuable form of civic education for the west Michigan community.
The Political Science faculty is grateful for Professor King’s many contributions to our department and university during her career. We congratulate her and wish her all the best in her retirement!