Alpha Phi Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at ISU to induct U.S. Ninth Circuit Judge N. Randy Smith into National Political Science Honor Society May 4

Each chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha is allowed to induct an honorary member into the society every year. Smith was nominated for induction by the Law Club at ISU in recognition of his continued service to the Idaho State University community and the communities of Southeast Idaho.

Smith frequently volunteers his time to come speak to classes at Idaho State University, and is a regular visitor to the constitutional law courses offered in the Department of Political Science. Smith also takes time to meet with ISU pre-law students and the ISU Law Club to help students interested in attending law school navigate the process. These experiences are universally appreciated by the students, and Smith is regularly cited as an inspiration by the pre-law students.

In addition to inducting Smith, the chapter will also induct nine graduate students and four undergraduate students into the honor society. The department will also be honoring students graduating with a political science minor, major or graduate degree. The event is open to the public.

“We are really excited to have Judge Smith become a member of our chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha,” said Kellee Kirkpatrick, assistant professor of political science and co-adviser for the Alpha Phi Chapter. “He has given so much to the students at ISU, and they are very pleased to honor him at our graduation celebration.”

Founded in 1920, Pi Sigma Alpha is the only college-level honor society for scholars of political science and government affairs. Today, Pi Sigma Alpha chapters thrive on 800 campuses across the United States and membership is recognized as a symbol of academic excellence. Membership in Pi Sigma Alpha is recognized by the United States government, entitling members to a high civil service grade should they decide to enter public service.

The Alpha Phi chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha at Idaho State University was established in 1949. The Alpha Phi chapter currently has 299 members.

A native of Southeast Idaho, Smith attended Brigham Young University, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in 1974. He received his Juris Doctor degree from J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University in 1977. Following several successful years of private practice, Smith was appointed by Idaho Gov. Phil Batt to become a state judge for the sixth district in Pocatello. Smith was nominated by President George W. Bush to the Ninth Circuit on January 16, 2007, and was confirmed by the United States Senate on February 15, 2007, by a vote of 94-0.

Pi Sigma Alpha Graduate Inductees

Abeer R. Alqurashi

Clinton Dallas Cooper

Laticia J. Herkshan

Jessica L. Lewis

Cheryl C. O’Brien

James F. Pascali

Anna L. Reed-Spencer

Beatriz I. Valencia-Hernandez

Shauna D. Wheelwright

Pi Sigma Alpha Undergraduate Inductees

Jillian L. Christiansen

Kristian C. Evans

Corbin G. Heard

John Felix Mahaffey