Governor Crist announces new Gubernatorial Fellows –two are UF students, three are UF alumnae

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Charlie Crist last week announced the members of the fourth class of the Gubernatorial Fellowship Program. Students participating in the program will gain first-hand experience into how state government operates.

“I commend this class of fellows for choosing to learn more about the high calling of public service to the people of Florida,” Governor Crist said. “I am confident each student will gain valuable on-the-job experience that will help them in whatever career paths they choose.”

Students were selected based on a competitive application process, which included the ability to show strong leadership, written and oral communication skills, community activism, and a desire to serve the people of Florida. They will work in the Executive Office of the Governor or in Governor’s agencies, depending on their area of study. 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 11 students have been selected for the fourth class:

• Elizabeth Akerman, 21, of Miami, senior in political science at the University of Florida.
• Jennifer Young Blalock, 29, of Tallahassee, doctoral candidate in educational leadership and policy studies at Florida State University. She holds a master’s degree in English education and a bachelor’s degree in English from the University of Florida.
• Bradley Bodiford, 23, of Opelika, Alabama, second-year law student at Stetson University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a concentration in management and marketing from Mercer University in Macon, Georgia.
• Jessica Bolson, 31, of Nyack, New York, doctoral candidate in environmental and climate studies at the University of Miami. She holds master’s degrees in climate and society from Columbia University and in secondary biology education from New York University and a bachelor’s degree in environmental science from Barnard College, Columbia University, in New York.
• Jacob T. Cremer, 23, of Palatka, a second-year law student pursing a combined master’s degree in urban and regional planning at Florida State University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and business administration from Rhodes College in Memphis.
• Lauren Hylemon, 23, of Naples, graduate student in public administration at Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and anthropology from the University of Florida.
• Jeffrey Joyner, 22, of West Palm Beach, senior at the Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College of Florida Atlantic University in liberal arts with a concentration in political science.
• Mellori Lumpkin, 21, of Bainbridge, Georgia, a senior in business administration from Florida A&M University.
• Karen Modzelewski, 25, of Venice, graduate student in public administration from Florida State University. She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from University of Florida.
• Sara Rubin, 21, of Orlando, senior in journalism and political science at the University of Florida.
• Jalal Shehadeh, 22, of Parkland, second-year law student at Florida International University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in management and marketing from Florida Atlantic University.

The program begins on June 30 and ends on Dec.12, 2008. Students are enrolled in classes, either at Florida State University or Florida A&M University in Tallahassee or through distance learning courses provided by their home institutions.

For more information and eligibility requirements for the Gubernatorial Fellowship Program, please visitwww.myflorida.com/fellows or call the Gubernatorial Fellows office at 850-410-0230. Applications for the 2009 Gubernatorial Fellows Class will be available online from July 1 through Sept. 15, 2008.