A Ball State University political science professor has been honored for his work in improving the quality of internships for college students.

Roger Hollands, a member of the Department of Political Science since 1970, was recently selected by Indiana INTERNnet as the 2004 Best of the Best Award Winner. Indiana INTERNnet is a statewide program designed to increase internship opportunities for Hoosiers.

The award, the program's highest honor, is given to people who have made significant contributions to improving the quality and quantity of internships in Indiana.

Hollands, who serves as the department's internship coordinator and graduate adviser, received three nominations for the award.

"Internships provide Ball State students a chance to apply the theoretical concepts they have studied in the classroom to practical assignments in an employment setting," he said. "Gaining real-world practical experience in a professional field can dramatically increase the employability of the graduate."

Hollands, who earned his doctorate at the University of Maryland, teaches primarily in  legal studies and public administration. His research interests focus on alternative dispute resolution, economic development and urban government, labor-management relations in government and democratic decision making.

About Indiana INTERNnet

Indiana INTERNnet is designed to retain college graduates within the state. To reverse Indiana's "brain drain" dilemma, the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and colleges and universities in Indiana formed a partnership to promote internship opportunities statewide. The organization's goal is to link Indiana employers, students and educational institutions, all of whom benefit from internships.