Colorado Mesa University Political Science Students Engage With Global Leaders at World Affairs Conference

Five Colorado Mesa University (CMU) political science students gained first-hand exposure to international affairs and public service after being selected to attend the 2026 Conference on World Affairs in Boulder.

Kayla Bauer, Jordan Jenning, Jachin Glassman, Alexis White and Kira Smith were chosen from more than 35 applicants to participate in the four-day conference in April. During their visit, the students attended discussions featuring former diplomats, national security officials, academics and other speakers who examined contemporary political and international issues.

Students Meet Nobel Peace Prize Laureate Malala Yousafzai

One of the most memorable moments of the trip came ahead of the conference's keynote address by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai. The five students, together with CMU Assistant Professor of Political Science Holly Oberle, PhD, had the opportunity to speak with Yousafzai before her address and take a photograph with her. The encounter created a particularly memorable experience for the students, who were excited to meet one of the conference's most prominent speakers.

Oberle said the students were enthusiastic about the opportunity and described the experience as a moment of excitement and awe for the group. Yousafzai later delivered the closing keynote, discussing her advocacy for education, her experience of becoming an internationally recognised public figure at a young age and the ways in which her public profile influenced her university experience.

For Oberle, hearing Yousafzai discuss aspects of her personal life beyond her public identity offered students a different perspective on someone they already knew as a global advocate.

Conference Brings Diverse Perspectives Together

The Conference on World Affairs brought together experts, thinkers, students, activists, artists and other participants to exchange perspectives on contemporary issues. Rather than following a fixed schedule, the CMU students were able to select sessions based on their individual interests. Discussions covered a broad range of subjects, including international development, the United States' relationship with NATO and public service.

The students also attended a debate involving former U.S. national security advisers Susan Rice and John Bolton, who discussed the United States' role in global affairs. The range of speakers and viewpoints allowed students to examine political questions from perspectives beyond the university classroom.

Students Connect Classroom Learning With Real-World Issues

Several of the topics explored during the conference complemented the students' existing coursework at CMU. In Oberle's World Politics course, students participate in a United Nations simulation in which each student represents a particular country. Rather than approaching an issue solely from their personal perspective, students are required to consider the interests and priorities of the country they represent.

Experiences at the Conference on World Affairs provided another opportunity for students to observe how international relations, diplomacy and public policy are discussed by people with direct professional experience in these fields.

The conference also gave students opportunities to speak directly with speakers after their sessions. Oberle noted that several of her students were among the first participants to approach speakers once formal discussions ended.

Exploring Careers Beyond Traditional Politics

The experience also highlighted the range of professional opportunities available to political science graduates. By interacting with former diplomats, national security officials and other professionals, students were able to see how political science can connect with careers in public service, international affairs, diplomacy and policy.

Oberle said public service extends beyond traditional political careers and does not necessarily require someone to become an elected official. Exposure to different career paths can help students better understand how their academic interests could translate into professional opportunities.

Higher Education and Democracy Initiative Supports Trip

The students' participation was made possible through CU Boulder's Higher Education and Democracy Initiative. As part of the initiative, Oberle participated as a fellow alongside faculty members from Fort Lewis College and CU Boulder. Throughout the semester, the fellows met to discuss civic engagement and the role of higher education in supporting democratic participation.

The initiative provided a connection between those broader discussions and practical opportunities for students to engage with political issues outside the classroom.

Creating Experiential Learning Opportunities

Providing students with opportunities to experience political science beyond traditional coursework has been an important goal for Oberle since joining CMU. Her own undergraduate experience, including participation in a study abroad programme, influenced her approach to teaching. She has described that experience as having a significant impact on how she viewed her education and the value of learning outside the classroom.

The Conference on World Affairs trip offered her an opportunity to create a similar experience for her students by allowing them to interact directly with prominent figures and explore issues they encounter academically in a real-world setting.

For the five CMU students, the conference provided an opportunity to engage with international affairs, hear from experienced public servants and broaden their understanding of where a political science education can lead.

Editor’s Note

Experiential learning can give political science students a valuable opportunity to connect academic concepts with real-world discussions. By attending international affairs forums and interacting directly with policymakers, diplomats and other professionals, students can gain a broader understanding of global issues while exploring potential career pathways in public service and related fields.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which students from Colorado Mesa University attended the Conference on World Affairs?

The five students were Kayla Bauer, Jordan Jenning, Jachin Glassman, Alexis White and Kira Smith.

2. What was the 2026 Conference on World Affairs?

The conference brought together experts, students, activists, artists and other participants to discuss contemporary political, international and social issues.

3. Which Nobel Peace Prize laureate did the students meet?

The CMU students met Malala Yousafzai, who delivered the conference's closing keynote address.

4. What topics did the students explore?

Sessions covered subjects including international development, NATO and the United States' global role, public service and other contemporary international affairs issues.

5. How was the CMU students' participation supported?

The trip was connected to CU Boulder's Higher Education and Democracy Initiative, through which Holly Oberle participated as a fellow alongside faculty from Fort Lewis College and CU Boulder.