Governor Crist Announces Sixth Class of Gubernatorial Fellows
TALLAHASSEE – Governor Charlie Crist today announced the members of the sixth class of the Gubernatorial Fellowship Program. Students participating in the program will gain first-hand experience into how state government operates.
“I commend these outstanding students for their achievements in the classroom and their enthusiasm for serving the people of Florida,” said Governor Crist. “Public service is an honor, as well as a great responsibility, and the Gubernatorial Fellows program is a unique way for students to gain valuable on-the-job experience while learning about the positive impact public service has on the lives of all Floridians.”
Students were selected through a competitive application process that evaluated their ability to show strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, community activism, and a desire to serve the people of Florida. These Fellows will work in the Executive Office of the Governor or in state agencies, depending on their areas of study and interest. Fellows will be expected to work a minimum of 20 hours each week and will receive an hourly wage for their time on the job. To broaden the Fellows’ exposure to state government and enhance their experience, they will also meet weekly as a group to participate in educational activities such as presentations, press conferences, budget briefings and policy briefings.
The following 13 students have been selected as the sixth Gubernatorial Fellows class:
- Roger “Beau” Beaubien, 27, of Tampa, second-year law student at Florida State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida.
- Reginald Cuyler Jr., 22, of Orlando, graduate student in public administration at Florida State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Florida State University.
- Megan Duda, 22, of Oviedo, graduate student in public administration at Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida.
- Gallop Franklin II, 23, of Tallahassee, third year doctorate of pharmacy student at Florida A&M University.
- Adam Giery, 24, of Orlando, a graduate student in higher education policy studies at the University of Central Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social science education from the University of Central Florida.
- Andrew Johnson, 27, of Palm Harbor, graduate student pursuing degrees in both urban and regional planning and public administration at Florida State University. He holds bachelor’s degrees in philosophy and political science from Florida State University.
- Tara Klimek, 33, of Tallahassee, second-year law student at Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of South Florida.
- Christopher Land, 22, of Panama City, senior in history and political science at Florida State University.
- John Phillips, 26, of Winter Park, graduate student in political science at the University of Central Florida. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Flagler College.
- Elizabeth Rojas, 23, of Guayaquil, Ecuador, senior in economics and political science at the University of Florida.
- Arielle Schneider, 20, of Jacksonville Beach, senior in English literature and political science at the University of North Florida
- Erin Simmons, 22, of Argyle, Texas, graduate student in biology, ecology, and marine science at Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences from Florida State University.
- Artrease Spann, 27, of Albany, Georgia, Ph.D. candidate in chemistry at Florida State University. She holds a master’s degree in chemistry from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry from Spelman College.
The program runs from August 16, 2010, through May 13, 2011, during which time students are enrolled in classes, either at Florida State University or Florida A&M University in Tallahassee or through distance learning courses through their home institutions.
For more information and eligibility requirements for the Gubernatorial Fellowship Program, please visit www.floridafellows.com or call the Gubernatorial Fellows office at (850) 410-0501. Applications for the 2011-12 Gubernatorial Fellows Class will be available online from October 1, 2010, through March 4, 2011.