University of Kentucky
Since 1970, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) Presidential Fellows Program has inspired college students to become the public servants that will guide our nation’s future.
Today, the program continues that mission by providing top collegiate students in the United States and around the world with the opportunity to study the U.S. Presidency, the public policymaking process, and our President’s relationships with Congress, allies, the media, and the American public. Over the course of an academic year, the Fellows learn about leadership and governance, share their outstanding research, and explore careers in public service.
Since its inception, the Fellows Program has developed leadership skills in more than 1,500 students. Many of our fellows have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Gates Scholarships. Alumni of the Fellows Program also have the distinction of serving in positions such as Capitol Hill and White House staffers, award-winning journalists, CEOs of corporations and non-profit organizations, senior military leaders, and university presidents and deans.
Through the Nate Morris Fellowship, the Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky has a unique opportunity to select one student each year to be a part of this program.
Nate Morris, Chairman & CEO, Morris Industries
Nate Morris in an American Entrepreneur and serves as Chairman and CEO of Morris Industries, a privately held conglomerate headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 2010, Morris Industries leverages the power of business to solve some of the America's biggest challenges including resource conservation and national security.
Prior to Morris Industries, Nate Morris founded Rubicon Technologies, Inc. (NYSE: RBT), one of America's largest waste and recycling companies operating in 50 states and 20 countries. Rubicon was named "One of the World's Most Innovative Companies" by Fast Company, an "Industry Disruptor" by Inc. Magazine, and a Great Place to Work™ for five consecutive years, providing 100% free healthcare for all employees.
Morris was the first Kentuckian to be named by Fortune Magazine's 40 Under 40 list and is a regional winner of EY's Entrepreneur of the Year Award. He is also the youngest inductee ever to the Kentucky Entrepreneur Hall of Fame.
A ninth-generation Kentuckian, Morris’ family descends from Morgan County, in the heart of Appalachia. A product of public schools, Morris was raised in a union household by a single mother. Through academic scholarships and working, Morris attended George Washington University, Princeton University's school of public and international affairs, and Oxford University. HE was elected Phi Beta Kappa and named a Fulbright Specialist.
Nate Morris is hte founder and Managing Trustee of the Morris Foundatio whose mission is to provide access to the American Dream for all Kentuckians.
Morris and his wife, Jane, reside at Commonwealth Farm in Lexington.
Interested students must email a PDF of the following documents to DanielleLJohnson@uky.edu by June 1:
- Resume
- Essay on your interest in American government and how the Fellowship would fit into your future career goals. Include a brief summary of one to three topics you are interested in researching.
- Faculty Reference (Provide name and contact information of faculty member that has agreed to provide a recommendation, B&E faculty preferred.)
- An unofficial copy of UK transcript
University of Kentucky Fellows
Nicholas Relich
2023-2024 Fellow
"Navigating The Crooked Road: A Case-Study into the ARC’s Strategy to Promote Economic Development through Cultural Tourism."
Faculty Mentor: Dr. Ken Troske, Richard W. and Janis H. Furst Endowed Chair of Economics, Professor.
Will Ransdell
2022-2023 Fellow
"An Examination of U.S. Oil Sanctions Against Russia Following The 2022 Invasion of Ukraine"
Faculty Mentor: Ana Maria Herrera Ph.D., Professor and Associate Chair
Olivia Jenkins
2021-2022 Fellow
"Women’s Effectiveness in the United States Congress"
Faculty Mentor: Cynthia Vines, Ph.D., CPA, Associate Professor
Dean Farmer
2020-2021 Fellow
James R. Moffett Award Winner
"Do Skills Pay the Bills? Analyzing the Impact of H-1B Visa Recipients on Domestic Wages in Applicable Occupation Sectors"
Faculty Mentor: Christopher R. Bollinger, Ph.D., Sturgill Professor of Economics
Mikayla Mitchell
2019-2020 Fellow
"Congress and the President’s Role in Designing Welfare-to-Work Programs That Promote Economic Mobility"
Faculty Mentor: James P. Ziliak, Ph.D., Gatton Endowed Chair in Microeconomics