Megan Hershey

Megan Hershey is a Professor in the Department of Political Science at Whitworth University, where she has served since 2011. Her research focuses on comparative politics, African politics, international development, and the politics of HIV/AIDS, with a particular emphasis on NGOs and foreign aid. She is proficient in Swahili and has conducted extensive fieldwork in Kenya and East Africa.

Dr. Hershey holds a Ph.D. in Political Science from Indiana University (2011) and a B.A. from Ursinus College. Her work bridges academic scholarship with practical engagement, including studies on youth political engagement in Africa, faith-based HIV/AIDS interventions, and the role of digital media in global advocacy.

Her research has been supported by grants from the Global Religion Research Initiative, Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, and Fulbright-Hays programs. Notable publications include her 2019 monograph Whose Agency: The Politics and Practice of Kenya’s HIV-Prevention NGOs and co-edited volumes such as Africa’s Urban Youth: Challenging Marginalization, Claiming Citizenship (2023).

• Grants: GRRI International Collaboration Grant (2018–2019), CCCU Initiative Grant (2018–2021)
• Awards: Carlton T. Hodge Prize in African Studies (2011), Indiana University Dissertation Fellowship (2010–2011)

Teaching interests include International Relations, Comparative Politics, Contemporary Africa, and International Development. She emphasizes integrating global perspectives and African voices into undergraduate curricula.