Angelo State Student Chosen for Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

SAN ANGELO, TX — Joe Chaney of Daphne, Alabama, a senior political science major at Angelo State University, has been selected for the ASU Department of Political Science and Philosophy's 2024 Government and Public Service Internship Program in Washington, D.C.

Chaney will spend this fall semester working as an intern for U.S. Congressman August Pfluger, who represents the 11th District of Texas that includes San Angelo.

"I have always been passionate about geopolitical issues and their impact on American domestic life," Chaney said. "I believe this internship can help me develop interpersonal skills, proactive leadership, and the fundamental requirement most jobs or careers are seeking: direct experience. All these skills and qualities could ultimately aid me in my endeavor to attend law school. However, I will keep an open mind about all the possibilities my internship could create in the future."

During his internship, Chaney will live at the Texas Tech House with other interns from Texas Tech University and will receive an $8,000 stipend to help defray the costs of living in Washington, D.C. He will also earn six ASU credit hours in political science.

"Joe was selected for his combination of academic excellence and extracurricular involvement," said Dr. Matthew Gritter, chair of ASU's Department of Political Science and Philosophy. "He has a strong work ethic and has been involved in a wide variety of campus activities, including the Student Government Association. We are confident he has the skills and ability to be a great success working with Congressman Pfluger."

A former foster care youth, Chaney is a member of ASU's Fostering Ram Success program. He previously completed a successful internship in the San Angelo City Attorney's Office, and he is also active in the Political Science Association and Kappa Sigma fraternity. A regular on the ASU Dean's List, he is scheduled to graduate in December with his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in political science with minors in English and history.

Launched in 2013, the Government and Public Service Internship Program is open to ASU upperclassmen majoring in political science. It is designed to help participating students develop networking skills and build knowledge of public policy.