Eight of the 10 exceptional students selected to participate in this year’s Gubernatorial Fellowship Program are Florida State University students. This ninth class of fellows will get first-hand experience in state government working in the Executive Office of the Governor or in the Governor’s agencies, depending on the students’ interests and area of study.
Florida college students selected to be in the program by Gov. Rick Scott work a minimum of 20 hours a week and are paid for their time. They also meet weekly as a group to participate in press conferences and policy briefings and to conduct community service.
“This is an invaluable opportunity for our students,” said Nancy Marcus, dean of The Graduate School at FSU. “We are proud so many Florida State students are each year accepted into this competitive program. The excellence of our programs and our location in the capital draws outstanding students who are interested in government to Florida State University.”
The following Florida State students are in the 2013-2014 class of fellows:
Courtney Coppola, 22, of Destin, Fla., is a graduate student in applied American politics and policy. She has a bachelor’s degree in political science from FSU. Coppola will work in the Department of Business and Professional Regulation.
Matletha Fuller, 21, of South Bay, Fla., is a graduate student in public administration. She earned bachelor’s degrees in political science and English at the University of Florida. Fuller will work in the Department of Health.
Courtney McCowen, 26, of Shalimar, Fla., is a third-year law student. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Georgia. McCowen will work in the Department of Juvenile Justice.
David Mica Jr., 30, of Tallahassee, is a third-year law student. He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Florida, and will work in the Executive Office of the Governor.
Carlos Paez, 23, of Miami, Fla., is a graduate student in political science. He holds an associate’s degree from Miami Dade College and a bachelor’s degree in political science from FSU. He will work in the Department of Elder Affairs.
Shavecca M. Snead, 37, of Albany, Ga., is a doctoral candidate in higher education. She earned a bachelor’s degree in visual art at Spelman College in Atlanta, Ga., and a master’s degree in drawing from the University of Florida. Snead will work in the Department of Children and Families.
Margaret Spicer, 24, of Jupiter, Fla., is a third-year law student. She holds bachelor’s degrees in political science and international affairs from FSU. She will work in the Department of Economic Opportunity.
Terrence S. Williams, 23, of Mulberry, Fla., is a graduate student in public administration. He holds a bachelor’s degree in social science from FSU, and will work in the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
Also in this year’s program are Robert “Alex” Andrade, a third-year law student at the University of Florida who will work in the Department of Transportation, and Emily Colon, a graduate student in public administration at the University of South Florida who will work in the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles.
Students were selected based on their leadership skills, strong academic achievement, community activism, and their desire to serve the people of Florida. This year’s program continues until May 9, 2014.
Learn more about the fellowship program online, or call (850) 717-9224.