The Gatton College of Business and Economics has an elite opportunity, made possible by the generous contributions of the Morris Foundation and Nate Morris, CEO of Rubicon Global, to select a student for the Presidential Fellows Program at The Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC). This gift established CSPC’s Nate Morris Fellowship at the University of Kentucky. Morris, a Lexington native and a product of Kentucky public schools, is the first entrepreneur in residence at the Gatton College and is a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council.

"We're delighted to offer this enriching opportunity to our students for a fourth year, says Simon Sheather, dean. "The Nate Morris Fellowship continues to benefit future Gatton recipients."

The Fellows, who come from schools including Columbia, Harvard, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and Yale among others, participate in three-day leadership conferences in Washington, D.C. during the Fall and Spring semesters. They also complete a research paper that is eligible for publication and awards. 

Three Gatton College of Business and Economics students have participated in the fellowship since 2019. Mikayla Mitchell (2019-2020), Dean Farmer (2020-2021), and Olivia Jenkins (2021-2022). 

“When I came across this opportunity, I knew it fit perfectly with my personal and career goals,” Mikayla Mitchell said. I’ve always been interested in a career in public service. It was instilled in me at a young age through my mom, a Navy veteran. Serving your country is one of the most meaningful things you can do with your life.”

Dean Farmer says, "It was a phenomenal experience. I had the opportunity to conduct very exciting research and meet incredible people...I gained a greater appreciation for the processes and considerations necessary in policymaking in the United States. Actually getting to speak to current and former American legislators, government officials, leaders in the private sector, and other policymakers allowed me to gain a more comprehensive understanding of governmental processes in the United States."

The Fellows also have the opportunity to engage with policy experts, government officials, and leaders in the legislative process. In the past Fellows have had the opportunity to meet with speakers such as Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke; Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta; Senator Susan Collins; Deputy Secretary of Labor Christopher Lu; Governor John Kasich; and Under Secretary of Defense Michèle Flournoy.

There is no cost to attend for the student. Travel, room, and board expenses are covered. 

Interested students must apply by June 1. Visit the Nate Morris Fellowship page to apply or for more information, visit https://www.thepresidency.org/presidential-fellows-program.