About
Dr. Virginia Beard is an Associate Professor of Political Science at Hope College since 2007, affiliated with the Department of Political Science. She holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Michigan State University (2006), a Master of Public Policy and Administration (2005), and a B.A. in Political Science from Calvin College (2000). Her research focuses on African political development, democracy, and public policy related to poverty and housing. She has conducted collaborative research in Kenya (2023) and Zambia (2025) through Hope's Global Water Research Institute, addressing water projects and community development. Dr. Beard also oversees political science internships and advises the Hope Running Club and Pi Sigma Alpha honor society.
Her research interests include identity politics in Africa, community development interventions, and homelessness solutions in Michigan. She has served on the Ottawa County Housing Commission and currently sits on Grand Rapids’ Affordable Housing Trust Fund Board. Notable awards include the Renze Hoeksma Global Research Award (2023) and Jacob E. Nyenhuis Award (2023). She has directed Hope’s Women’s and Gender Studies program (2015–2018) and served as Faculty Trustee on the Board of Trustees (2018–2022).
Dr. Beard’s recent projects include analyzing water interventions in Kenya, updating research on democracy and religion in Africa, and a national survey of homeless shelters. She has published on topics ranging from global health to faith-based community renewal. Beyond academia, she is a marathon runner and CrossFit Level 1 trainer.
