The Western Political Science Association (WPSA) is a professional association of political science scholars and students in the United States that was founded in 1947.

Aims

The purpose of the WPSA is to promote the study and teaching of government and politics, to foster political research, and to facilitate a greater dialogue involving public affairs and policy making. The official region of the WPSA includes the western states of Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Idaho, Montana, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, Utah, and Washington. In addition, it includes the Canadian provinces of Alberta, British Columbia, and Saskatchewan. However, one-third of the association's members are from other states and nations.

History

The WPSA was founded in November, 1947, and held its first meeting at the University of Utah. At this time a constitution was adopted and officers were elected for the new organization. The first president of the association was G. Homer Durham (University of Utah). The WPSA was the second regional political science association formally recognized by the American Political Science Association. In 1995, the WPSA became incorporated in California as a nonprofit public benefit corporation. In 1998, the WPSA Executive Council appointed Elizabeth Moulds from California State University Sacramento to serve as the association's first executive director. Including her term as executive director, Moulds served as the chief administrative officer for the association for 25 years, before stepping down in 2009.

Annual meeting

The WPSA Annual Meeting is a gathering of political scientists that rotates throughout the region. It occurs over a weekend in March or April each spring. Approximately 1,100 to 1,300 political scientists participate in this conference annually. The conference provides a forum for scholars to share research, discuss political science education, and network with other experts in their field.

Officers

Former officers of the association include:

Awards

To recognize excellence in the profession, the association offers annual awards that are presented at the regional conference:

Publications

The association publishes two academic journals.