The 2024 Democracy Fellows will gain hands-on experience in community outreach, political advocacy, and democratic processes. This program designed by the Center for Economic and Civic Learning is not just about learning; it’s about actively shaping the democratic landscape of our community.
The Fellows were chosen through a competitive selection process:
Shaina Miller is a sophomore Whitinger Scholar at Ball State University studying Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Sustainability and a concentration in Public Administration. She is involved on Bal State’s campus through Student Government Association of which she is the Honors College Senate Representative, the Collegiate Caucus Chair, and the Environment and Community Committee Chair. She is also involved through the Honors College Peer Mentor Program, is the Vice President of her sorority, Kappa Delta, and has an Honors Undergraduate Fellowship with Professor Elizabeth Dalton. She is involved off campus through volunteering with Girl Scout Troop 32420 and has worked as Wilderness Canoe Guide for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Andy Hopkins is a Political Science and History double major and a concentration in Public Administration. During his time at Ball State, Andy has been involved in nearly every aspect of student life, serving as the At-Large Caucus Chair in SGA, the I&F Director and Administrative Director for Residence Hall Association. He is the secretary of Theta Chi and is also a peer mentor for the Honors College and the University of College and is an Engagement Ambassador for the Office of Student Life among various other commitments.
Abigail Denault is a junior at Ball State University studying Journalism with a minor in Global Studies. She is involved in Grand Strategy, Security, and Statecraft Group (G3SG) and student media such as the Daily News and Ball Bearings Magazine. In addition, she is a part of the Honors College and the Pathways Program. Previously, she has been a part of the Teacher-Scholar program and served as an election judge in her home state of Illinois. Civic engagement and participation have been a major driving force in her life as her career choice of journalism, with its power to uphold democracy through freedom of information. Programs such as the Democracy Fellows allow her to be a part of a program that promotes the empowerment of citizens to participate in civic duties such as voting through nonpartisan initiatives.
Deborah Edwards has a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and is currently seeking a Master of Science in Accounting at Ball State University. Deborah currently works as a graduate assistant for Ball State University’s Entrepreneurship Center. Deborah has experience interning in both public and private accounting and as a night auditor.
Please join me in congratulating these amazing Ball State University students!
Over the coming year Ball State faculty will be able to request a Democracy Fellow to visit their class to provide a short non-partisan information session on voter registration and upcoming elections. BSU faculty just need to fill out our simple online form to express interest and provide course details. These sessions will begin in February 2024.