Inspiring Alumni Spotlight: Meet Charley Willison – A Political Science Trailblazer

January 31, 2025 – Emily Johnson

Michigan State University’s Political Science Department boasts a large group of alumni making impacts around the globe. These professionals work in public, private, and non-profit sectors, striving for meaningful change.

Charley Willison graduated from MSU in 2010 with a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies and a minor in Political Science. She continued her academic journey by earning a Master of Public Health and a Master of Arts from Case Western Reserve University in 2013, and later, a PhD from the University of Michigan in 2019. Currently, she is an Assistant Professor at Cornell University in the Department of Public and Ecosystem Health.

Dr. Willison is not just an academic; she is also an award-winning author. Her book, Ungoverned and Out of Sight: Public Health and the Political Crisis of Homelessness in the United States (Oxford University Press, 2021), explores housing policies that affect the homeless. In 2022, she earned the Dennis Judd Best Book Award from the American Political Science Association’s Urban and Local Politics Section.

Professor Sarah Reckhow from MSU taught Willison in 2010. She expressed her pride in Willison’s accomplishments, noting how they reflect a strong commitment to important social issues.

Recently, MSU PLS connected with Dr. Willison to discuss her career journey and experiences at MSU.

Q: What made you choose a career in political science?

A: I’ve always been drawn to health policy. In college, I wanted to dive deeper into the legal and political aspects that influence health outcomes. Political science helped frame my understanding of why healthcare access varies so much across countries.

Q: Why pursue both a Master’s in Public Health and a Ph.D.?

A: My path was quite diverse. At MSU, I studied abroad in Malawi, where I worked with organizations focused on healthcare access. This not only strengthened my interest in health policy but also influenced my career direction. After interning at the American Medical Association, I realized that I was more interested in the bigger picture of public health—specifically how to support marginalized communities. This led me to pursue a dual degree at Case Western, which combined public health and bioethics, allowing me to explore the political factors that affect health policy decisions.

Q: How did MSU shape your career?

A: My time at MSU was pivotal. I learned that achieving public health goals relies heavily on understanding the political processes behind them. My interest in local politics grew while studying at MSU, especially in courses like the one taught by Dr. Reckhow, which highlighted how local governance shapes health outcomes.

Q: What advice would you give your younger self as you began your studies?

A: I’d tell myself to embrace every opportunity. MSU offers incredible programs that can guide your career path and provide valuable experiences. My study abroad experience, for example, was transformative.

Q: What are some of your fondest memories from your time at MSU?

A: One of my favorite memories is discussing Jane Jacobs and exploring community organizing’s role in local political development!