Success After Pacific
We are very proud of our alumni and the varied paths they have taken. A few of our former students are highlighted here.
A new LinkedIn network has been established to help Pacific's Political Science alumni stay in touch with each other. Click here to join!
Jennifer Fredette (2004) earned a Ph.D. in political science at the University of Washington, and she is now a professor in the Political Science department at Ohio University, where she teaches courses in constitutional law, comparative law, and sociolegal studies. Recent publications include "Constructing Muslims in France" (Temple University Press, 2014).
From her experience in conducting undergraduate research, she noted that having the example of committed and engaged teacher-scholars and close working relationships with patient, encouraging faculty members have been keys to her success in graduate school. Jennifer appreciated the opportunity to work through a research project of her own choice with a professor who guided her as an enthusiastic research partner.
Karen Hanretty (1999) is a political and communications strategist who specializes in strategic communications, issue advocacy and political campaigns.
She has worked in many political campaigns, most notably serving as press secretary for the 2003 Schwarzenegger for Governor campaign.
Karen is currently a public relations consultant based out of Reno, Nevada. Previous positions include managing director of Qorvis Communications, a Washington D.C. firm and Communications Director at the National Republican Congressional Committee. Her campaign experience includes working as Deputy Communications Director for Fred Thompson’s 2008 presidential primary bid and serving as a leading spokeswoman for Arnold Schwarzenegger’s historic gubernatorial campaign. Karen is also a national political commentator, regularly appearing on Fox News Channel, MSNBC and CNN to provide national political analysis. She has also appeared as a guest host on FNC’s Hannity & Colmes. She blogs regularly about politics at KarenHanretty.com.
Jennifer Baker serves as a Legislative Advocate to the California Teachers Association where she focuses on retirement, civil rights and early childhood educational issues. Prior to joining the CTA she was the Director of Governmental Affairs and Program Analysis for the California State Teachers' Retirement System, where she managed their legislative and policy pursuits.
Jennifer is a former Trustee for the Natomas Unified School District and is known for her efforts to reduce high school dropouts, as well as highlighting the need for gang prevention/intervention. As a Trustee representative for the NUSD she also served on the Natomas Charter School Board. Miss Baker is a Past President of the California Latino School Boards Association and has developed a state-wide reputation for coalition building to find ways of enhancing student success.
Michael V. Kattelman (1994) is a partner at Silverman, Decaria, and Kattelman, a Reno, Nevada firm.
Michael started his family law practice after serving as a law clerk for the Family Court of the Second Judicial District Court of Nevada. He has served on the Executive Council of the Family Law Section of the State Bar of Nevada, and as Vice President of the Court Appointed Special Advocate Foundation (CASA) in Washoe County.
He is a member of the Nevada Trial Lawyers Legislative Steering Committee, the Washoe County Family Law Bench Bar Committee, and the Committee of Family Law Certification Requirements. Mike is a lecturer on child custody jurisdiction, family law legislative issues, and has published family law articles in The Writ. He was also a past President of the Pacific Alumni Association.