March 19, 2019

 

photo of students and faculty in Helena at the State Capitol Building

MSU Billings students visit State Capitol in Helena

Observed state government in action on March 12

 

Contacts:

University Communications and Marketing, 657-2266

MSU BILLINGS NEWS— Nearly two dozen Montana State University Billings students traveled to the State Capitol in Helena to see state government in action on Tuesday, March 12. Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Jason Adkins and Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Paul Pope accompanied the students during their visit. 

The students, who are taking various political science classes during the spring semester, were able to meet with Gov. Steve Bullock and Lt. Gov. Mike Cooney and ask them questions regarding state politics. The students also visited with a registered lobbyist for the Montana University System and fiscal analyst for the state legislature to discuss what they do and the various paths to a career in those fields.

Students had the opportunity to visit with local legislators, as well as viewing House and Senate sessions, and attend various committee meetings during the day.

“It is great that students get the opportunity to see state government in action,” Adkins said. “We can teach a lot in the classroom, but part of learning about politics is seeing real-world examples.”

For more information about this trip or the political science program at MSU Billings, contact professors Dr. Paul Pope at paul.pope@msubillings.edu, (406) 657-2934, or Dr. Jason Adkins at jason.adkins1@msubillings.edu, (406) 657-2933.