STEPHENVILLE, Texas — Tarleton State University junior Grace Ludwig is about to get a close-up look at the U.S. Congress. The criminal justice major (legal studies minor) has accepted a fall internship in Rep. Roger Williams’ office.
“Tarleton’s Washington, D.C., program has been a tremendous opportunity for our students over the years, and we’re excited that Grace has received this prestigious internship,” said Dr. Eric Morrow, Dean of the College of Liberal and Fine Arts. “This internship will give her the opportunity to experience many facets of federal government and to engage with a wide range of people and forums.”
Grace will give tours, respond to constituents and answer phone calls for Williams, who represents Texas’ 25th Congressional District.
“I’m so excited,” she said. “I didn’t even know Tarleton offered this opportunity.”
She was searching online for an internship when she came across the chance to work in Washington.
“I began reading about it and thought, ‘This is so me.’ I fell in love with the idea of learning more about the federal legislative branch and also getting to see the history that’s in D.C. and the surrounding areas.”
Taking an internship so far from home concerned her at first, then the fine arts faculty eased her mind. “They really made the process seamless,” she said. “It’s kind of scary at first, but don’t be afraid to apply.”
Grace is from Waxahachie and a second-generation Tarleton Texan following in her father’s footsteps. She was deciding between a couple of schools, but that was before the big visit.
“We went to Stephenville and toured the campus, and I knew instantly it was the place for me. Everyone was so nice. It was a wonderful atmosphere. “
She will continue her studies online with an eye on graduating in December 2023 and beginning a career in some aspect of criminal justice.
“When I took my intro to legal studies class I read this book that really sparked my interest for wrongful conviction reform,” she said. “I know that’s the area I’d like to go into, so I think this internship will tie into the political side of that goal.”
Let the firsthand training begin.
Tarleton will facilitate internships in the Texas Legislature for the spring 2023 semester. An information session will be held early in the fall semester and information on the application process will be provided. For more information email Dr. Morrow at [email protected].
A founding member of The Texas A&M University System, Tarleton transforms generations by inspiring discovery, leadership and inclusion through teaching and research. Degree programs for more than 14,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Midlothian, at A&M-RELLIS at Bryan, and online emphasize real-world learning that addresses regional needs while sustaining the values of excellence, integrity and respect.
A founding member of The Texas A&M System, Tarleton State University is breaking records — in enrollment, research, scholarship, athletics, philanthropy and engagement — while transforming the lives of approximately 18,000 students in Stephenville, Fort Worth, Waco, Bryan and online. For 125 years, Tarleton State has been committed to accessible higher education opportunities for all while helping students grow academically, socially and professionally through programs that emphasize real world learning and address regional, state and national needs.