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Students hold internship positions in Nashville


Eight UT Martin students were accepted into the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program for the 2003 Session of the Tennessee General Assembly.

In order to qualify for participation in this program, interested students must have junior, senior or graduate student status in degree programs in political science, law, history, administration, social work, economics, sociology, journalism or related fields. Also, students must have a GPA of 3.00 or above. The students must also be registered to vote in the state of Tennessee.

Michael B. Baggett has been assigned to intern with House Assistant Majority Leader Mark Maddox, who represents Weakley and part of Carroll counties. Baggett is a junior political science major.

He holds offices in the UTM College Democrats, SGA and the Society of Honors Seminar Students.

Of his internship experience, Baggett had this to say, “I have enjoyed studying and working in politics for as long as I can remember, and it is such a thrill to have access to the real movers and shakers of state government on a daily basis. It’s great to be doing what I love and getting school credit.”

John D. Lankford has been assigned to be the House Education Committee Intern.

Primarily, he works for the chairman of the committee, Representative Les Winningham. As the committee intern, Lankford makes the calendar for the committee and also works for the two sub-committees under House Education (K-12 and Higher Education).

“Working as an intern for the government is a step toward achieving a personal dream of mine of ultimately becoming a Senator/Congressman in my own right. Plus, specifically working for the education committee, I have the opportunity to be personally involved with the government aspects of the UT Collegiate System,” Lankford said.

Jennifer L. Ogg has been assigned to intern with State Senator Rosalind Kurita. She will be receiving two degrees in Spring 2004 in French and Political Science.

Currently she is helping Senator Kurita research issues she is considering.

“It’s not all glamorous, but I am enjoying meeting people and the overall experience,” Ogg said.

Katherine J. Roney is interning in Lieutenant Governor John Wilder’s office.

Wilder holds the position of Speaker of the Senate Office. Rodney is a junior, political science major with an English minor. She intends to graduate in Dec. 2003 and apply to law school.

“It has been an amazing experience so far and I am really looking forward to getting further into this session. Everyone is wonderful in the legislature and they have all gone above and beyond to make all of the interns feel very welcome and appreciated,” Rodney said.

Matthew W. Maxey is interning in the Governor’s Office with Governor Phil Bredesen.

Some of his duties include: general legislative correspondence, bill tracking, proof reading of resolutions to be passed in the house and senate, maintain legislative bill folders for the Governor’s legislative liaisons, attend and document legislative committee meetings in the absence of legislative liaisons, and general office work.

Prior to his internship, Maxey was Campaign Manager for Representative Mark Maddox in 2002. He was also on the campaign staff of the Jim Cooper for Congress campaign in 2002, and he volunteered on the Gore 2000 campaign.

Michael Braden Holton was assigned to intern with State Senator Roy B. Herron. Melody L. Martin works with State Senator Don McLeary. Donald F. Winningham assists Representative Phillip Pinion. Holton, Martin and McLeary could not be reached for comment.

Interns are required to attend weekly intern meetings usually held on Fridays.

Participating students also have the opportunity to tour Riverbend maximum-security prison, the State Capitol and the Bicentennial Mall.

Some other activities interns can attend include a visit to the Tennessee Supreme Court, reforestation project at the historic Hermitage, CPR training, mock legislative sessions, and playing the legislators in a game of basketball.

Internships last from January 13 to May 31 or one week after the adjournment of the Legislative Session if that occurs first. Students will be receiving 12 hours class credit for the internships.

Dr. Ted Mosch has been working with this program since its establishment in 1972.

“Students have found the experience very interesting and helpful in their future career plans. This will assist with graduate and professional study and in landing jobs. In this tight economic market, a learning service experience is critical,” Dr. Mosch said.

For more information about the Legislative Intership Program, students may contact Dr. Mosch at ext. 7587 or e-mail him at tmosch@utm.edu.