Kyla Stepp

Kyla Stepp serves as Associate Professor in the Department of Political Science and Public Administration within Central Michigan University's School of Politics, Society, Justice & Public Service. She concurrently directs the Political Science Program and leads the university-wide Pre-Law Center, providing primary advising for law-bound students across all disciplines. Her extensive mentorship includes faculty advisory roles for Phi Alpha Delta (pre-law fraternity), the nationally competitive CMU Mock Trial Association (which she co-founded), National Black Law Students Association, Women in Law Association, and CMU College Democrats.

Education:

• Ph.D. in Political Science, Wayne State University (2016)
• J.D., Georgetown University Law Center (2004)
• B.S. in Legal Studies, Grand Valley State University (2001)

Professor Stepp's research critically examines judicial behavior within polarized political landscapes, with specialized focus on constitutional rights protections for marginalized groups. Her scholarship spans public opinion dynamics, race/gender intersections in American politics, criminal justice reform, and media's role in legal discourse. This expertise directly informs her teaching of Constitutional Law, Judicial Process & Politics, Criminal Law, and newly developed courses like Immigration Law and Your Future in Law or Politics.

As Pre-Law Center Director, she provides comprehensive guidance for law school applications, LSAT preparation, and legal career development. Her mentorship extends through active leadership in student organizations, particularly the CMU Mock Trial Association's national competition program. Professor Stepp's unique value derives from her dual background: 6 years of Michigan legal practice prior to her 2016 academic appointment, progressing from post-doctoral fellow to assistant professor (2019) and associate professor (2023).