Dr. Kirstin Anderson Birkhaug 鈥� assistant professor of political science at Hope College 鈥� was presented the 2025 Novak Award by the Acton Institute, recognizing her outstanding research in the field of American political thought, with an emphasis on the contributions of women.
The Acton Institute will present Dr. Birkhaug with her award and she鈥檒l then deliver an evening lecture titled, 鈥淗ow to Rebel.鈥� The award reception and lecture will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, at Graves Hall on Hope鈥檚 campus in Holland, Mich. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with a reception prior to the award presentation and lecture.
Named after the distinguished American theologian 鈥� the late Michael Novak 鈥� this $15,000 award rewards scholars early in their academic career who conducted new outstanding scholarly research concerning the relationship between religion, economic freedom, and the free and virtuous society.
Dr. Birkhaug 鈥� also a Hope graduate 鈥� teaches classes in political theory and American politics. She received her Ph.D. in political theory and American politics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023. Her dissertation book manuscript, Profiles in Citizenship: The Women Architects of American Identity, examines the role of founding-era women in constructing ideals of American civic life.
Her other projects (published in edited volumes and journals including Political Science Reviewer) have examined topics including citizenship, liberty and constitutionalism. She also serves as the book reviews editor of the Journal of Religion, Culture & Democracy.
For more information about the award and Dr. Birkhaug鈥檚 work, or to RSVP for the free Nov. 13 event, visit .