Mary Brantley '23
BA Political Science, minors in International Relations and Russian Studies
Pronouns: she/her

Where are you originally from?
Oneonta, New York

On her major:
I entered my first year at SBU with just a major in political science, and as I continued my studies, I added on two minors: international studies and Russian studies. I chose to major in political science simply because I loved my high school classes on history and government, but once I began to learn more in my college courses, I understood that political science is not just learning about American government! I became very interested in the geopolitical connections within the discipline of foreign affairs, which led me to take courses such as Perspectives in Globalization Studies and International Relations, and Global Social Problems. This led me to add my first minor. My second minor was added a bit differently – I was placed into an introductory Russian language course, and I struggled quite a bit at first. However, I recognized the importance of understanding other languages and cultures in regards to international politics, and after a few more language classes, added Russian studies as a second minor. 

Clubs and organizations:
I am very proud to have served on the executive board of two wonderful organizations here on campus, Leading Women of Tomorrow and the Women’s Soccer Club. As the president of both of these clubs, I have learned so much about leadership and cooperation from my sensational members, and I have made great memories. I’m also an RA, and therefore a member of the Department of Campus Residences. The RA position has taught me many valuable lessons, and I truly appreciate the challenges that this role provided. I’m also a research assistant for the Department of Political Science, and I’ve been lucky enough to work alongside our amazing faculty members. Finally, I’m a student staff assistant at the Office of Academic Engagement, and I have been so fortunate to have such phenomenal coworkers and supervisors at this office. 

Awards & Accolades:
I am a recipient of the SUNY Chancellor’s Award for Student Excellence, a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, a JFEW SUNY Global Affairs Scholar, a Presidential Scholarship beneficiary, a five-time recipient of the Academic Achievement Award, a Phi Beta Kappa inductee, and a winner of the Award for Written Excellence in Political Science and the Civic Engagement Leadership Award.

Thanks and gratitude:
I am so grateful for all that I’ve learned from the amazing professors I’ve had from the Department of Political Science, from Professor Helmut Norpoth’s algorithmic understanding of primary elections and knowledge of foreign policy, to Professor Jason Rose’s sentiments on partisanship and the worship of certain politicians. I’ve learned so much about constitutional rights and the law from Professor Juliette Passer, who has also served as a mentor and advisor for me. I also want to offer my gratitude to those who have supported me within my professional roles, including Tracy Halloran and Margaret Wood-McGrath from Campus Residences, and Philnesia Miller and Brian Frank from Academic Engagement. All of these people have had a tremendous positive impact on my time here at SBU, and I am so thankful to have had the opportunities that they presented to me.