Recent OSU grad Kyle Jones receives Presidential Fellowship
Friday, April 11, 2008
Kyle Jones
Jones, who is currently completing his master's degree in public policy at Harvard University, was selected from a national search for the presidential program. Each Fellow will have the opportunity to work for two years in the office of his choice in Washington, D.C.
The purpose of the program is to attract outstanding men and women from different academic disciplines who have shown a commitment to excellence in leadership and management of public policies and programs. The program was established by Executive Order in 1977 to help provide a continuing source of trained people who can meet the challenges of public service.
"I'm really looking forward to exploring different parts of the federal government and participating in the policy process," Jones said. "The PMF is a great opportunity to apply the skills I have learned at Harvard and solve public problems."
He was the first OSU student to receive the prestigious Thomas R. Pickering Foreign Affairs Fellowship that prepares students for a career in the U.S. State Department Foreign Service.
"While he was here, as a Pickering Scholar, a Truman finalist, and all-around campus leader, Kyle showed exceptional qualities, and his success with this award while attending Harvard comes as no surprise," said Dr. Robert Graalman, director of the OSU Office of Scholar Development and Recognition.
Jones received an OSU Honors College degree in political science, and an economics degree with a minor in history. He is the son of Ron and Amy Williams of Norman, Oklahoma, and the late Jay Jones, and is a graduate of Norman High School.
During his time at OSU, he served for two years as president of the Residence Hall Association, was president of Jones Hall Government and was a senator for the Student Government Association.
Jones also was the founder and president of Cowboy Crisis Response Team, as well as the president of Mortar Board and Omicron Delta Kappa. He served as a representative for the Academic Integrity Committee, Dean of Libraries Selection and Screening Committee and the Regent's Distinguished Service Award.
He also was active in the community, including working as a volunteer for the American Red Cross as an instructor for CPR and AED, and in the Community Emergency Response Team as an instructor for CERT and FEMA.
Jones also received a Lew Wentz Undergraduate Research Scholarship, was selected as an Outstanding Senior and received the Kenny Gallagher Award from the College of Arts and Sciences.