Cowboys in the Capitol: Students work alongside legislators to gain firsthand experience through internships
Wednesday, May 21, 2025
Media Contact: Sophia Fahleson | Digital Communications Specialist | 405-744-7063 | sophia.fahleson@okstate.edu
Nearly 50 years ago, a student in the Oklahoma State University Ferguson College of Agriculture served as the first intern in the Agricultural Legislative Internship Program, leading the way for dozens to follow.
In 1976, the program was established with funds for one college of agriculture student, regardless of major, to intern at the Oklahoma State Capitol with the chair of the Senate or House agricultural committees.
The internship program was created to provide students with a unique experience and a working knowledge of the structure and operational procedures of the Oklahoma state government, said Danielle Bellmer, Ferguson College of Agriculture assistant dean of academic programs.
“We want to give our students the opportunity for exposure to jobs and careers as well as connections,” Bellmer said. “Getting them at the Capitol, meeting people — sometimes it’s as much about who you know as what you know.
“Students can network outside of the legislature with different commodity groups who help fund their internship stipends,” she added.
The program grew for the first time in 2010, when funding was increased to allow up to two students to serve. As of 2019, funding is available for up to three students to participate in the program each spring semester.
During the fall semester, interested students complete an application and interview process. The program is intended for juniors and seniors. The internships are considered full-time jobs because of the time commitment. A committee selects interns based on scholarship, leadership, professional goals and character, Bellmer added.
Selected students work at least 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday at the Oklahoma State Capitol within a legislator’s office during the legislative session, which begins in early February. Interns participate in the daily activities at the Capitol, which include attending Senate or House agricultural committee meetings, briefing bills, and communicating with constituents.
In addition to the experience, participating students can receive up to six credit hours in AG 3010 Internships in Agriculture and a $4,000 stipend to help with living and travel expenses.
Students also can enroll in up to six additional credit hours, typically online, if they need full-time enrollment status to keep scholarships and financial aid, Bellmer said.
“When applying, you need to have your class schedule planned already,” said Riley Gilreath, agribusiness pre-law junior. “I’m only taking six hours of classes, but with the internship credit hours, I’m a full-time student.”
Gilreath is interning in the office of Rep. John Pfeiffer, who serves as vice chair of the Energy and Natural Resources Oversight Committee. This is Pfeiffer’s first year having an agricultural legislative intern in his office.
“Historically, the student interns have been with the Senate or House chair for the agricultural committees,” Pfeiffer said. “Recently, we’ve had one with the Rural Caucus chairman of the House. Even though I grew up on a farm outside of Mulhall, Oklahoma, and care a lot about agricultural policy, I’ve never actually gotten to be an Agriculture Committee chair.
“I was very sad about that because I never got to have an intern, but because of some spacing issues, Rep. Kenton Patzkowsky didn’t have room for one this time,” he added. “I have a little bit bigger office, so I got Riley to come down here.”
Pfeiffer, who graduated with a degree in animal science in 2020, was not involved in the intern program during his time at OSU, but he had friends who were, he said. He sees the program as a unique and interesting experience at the Capitol and a strong partnership with OSU, he added.
“It’s very neat for these students to come in and see firsthand how we make policy,” Pfeiffer said. “They get to develop those one-on-one relationships with lawmakers who help make the laws for all of us and learn how we do it.”
Serving as an agricultural legislative intern is providing Gilreath the skills and relationships to help her pursue a career in agricultural policy and rural advocacy, she said.
“My experience as an agricultural legislative intern has given me a deeper understanding of how policy decisions impact the agricultural sector,” Gilreath said. “This hands-on experience has sharpened my ability to analyze legislation and communicate its implications effectively.”
David “Gus” Ward, agribusiness senior, previously interned with the Oklahoma Pork Council, which centered around policy.
This semester, Ward is the agricultural legislative intern in Rep. Judd Strom’s office. Strom serves as the House Appropriations and Budget Committee chair.
“Through the legislative internship, I have gained invaluable experience at the intersection of agriculture and policy, which has clarified my career goals and deepened my passion for serving Oklahoma agriculture,” Ward said.
Liberty Carson, agribusiness and animal science senior, also has a background in agricultural policy. Carson worked as a public policy intern for the Oklahoma Farm Bureau and spent this past summer in Washington, D.C., as the Frank Lucas Congressional Intern.
Inspired by her previous experiences, Carson applied to the program wanting to better understand the Oklahoma side of policy to help support her future career, she said.
“This internship has given me invaluable firsthand experience in policymaking, leadership and public service,” Carson said. “It has strengthened my understanding of government operations and reinforced my passion for serving the people of Oklahoma.
“The internship experience has allowed me to build meaningful connections and develop strong research skills essential for crafting effective policy,” Carson added.
As they move into their careers, many past participants are proud to have been legislative agricultural interns, Bellmer said.
“My experience truly shaped the path that led me to my career,” said Karlee Belle Gholson, 2020 agricultural intern and deputy director of public policy for OSU/A&M Board of Regents.
“I don’t believe I would be where I am today without participating in the internship program,” she added. “It offers so many valuable opportunities that allow your career to thrive right out of school — opportunities that are hard to find in other internships.”
For Gholson, understanding the importance of the program is why she has joined the program’s selection and interview committee.
She also checks in with the interns through her role at the OSU/A&M Board of Regents, keeping her involved in the program as an alumna.
The future of agriculture is rooted in policy and the Agricultural Legislative Internship Program, Pfeiffer said. Legislators recognize the importance of creating these experiences for students, as many interns have returned to work at the Capitol, he added.
For students interested in agricultural policy, this program is a great option to explore the career field and make a network of professionals within the policy field, Gholson said.
“Simply taking the risk to apply and putting yourself out there — even if you’re unsure about working in public policy — can be incredibly rewarding,” Gholson added. “I truly think you should go for it, as it will open the door to countless great opportunities.”
Application Details
Agricultural Legislative Internship Program applications typically open in September before the Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources Career Fair and will be posted on the Ferguson College of Agriculture Canvas page.
Interested students can visit the program’s booth during the career fair and ask questions about the program. Application requirements include a résumé and short statement of interest.
Applications are due in early October with interviews scheduled for mid-October. The positions are announced late October.
Source: Ferguson College of Agriculture
Story by Brielle Prock | Cowboy Journal