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For more than 80 years, the Vinson Institute has worked with public officials throughout Georgia and around the world to improve governance and people's lives. From Georgia's early days as a largely agrarian state with a modest population to its modern-day status as a national and international force in business, industry, and politics with a population of almost 10 million, the Institute has helped government leaders navigate change and forge strong directions for a better Georgia.
Press Releases > First Class of UGA Vinson Institute Fellows Selected for Fall 2009

First Class of UGA Vinson Institute Fellows Selected for Fall 2009: May 14, 2009

Contact: Courtney Yarbrough, cryarb@uga.edu; 706.542.6221
Athens, Ga. – Three University of Georgia (UGA) undergraduate students have been selected for the first class of the Vinson Institute Fellows Program beginning in August 2009—Andrew Laarhoven, economics and political science major; Yasmin Yonis, international affairs and journalism major; and Lauren Pinson, who has dual enrollment in international affairs and the Masters of Public Administration program.

“We were pleased to receive many impressive applications for the first semester of the Vinson Fellows Program. The fall 2009 class will be a strong one,” commented Vinson Institute director Steve Wrigley.

The Fellows Program is a semester-long internship sponsored by UGA’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government, an organization that provides research, assistance, and training to state and local governments in Georgia and abroad. The Fellows Program will involve students in the diverse work of the Institute, giving them an inside look into state and local governments.

“This program is a way for the Vinson Institute to encourage University of Georgia students to consider careers in public service in state and local governments. Involving students in the Vinson Institute’s work will be beneficial to the students and to the Institute’s work,” said Jennifer Frum, Institute assistant director.

Over the course of the program, the Vinson Fellows will have the opportunity to meet elected and appointed officials, attend training sessions and conferences, and assist in Institute research and other projects. They will devote at least eight hours per week to their projects and responsibilities.

Fellows will also be matched with a faculty mentor in one of the Institute’s training, technical assistance, applied research, or communications programs. Mr. Laarhoven will work with a faculty member in the Governmental Training, Education, and Development division; Ms. Yonis in the International Center; and Ms. Pinson in Governmental Services and Research.

Writer: Courtney Yarbrough

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