ASU student earns congressional internship

SAN ANGELO, Texas ( Concho Valley Homepage ) — An Angelo State University political science student has been selected to become an intern at Washington, D.C., as part of an internship program.

Senior and political science major Joe Chaney of Daphne, Alabama, earned the internship through the ASU Department of Political Science and Philosophy’s 2024 Government and Public Service Program. The program was launched in 2013 and is designed “to help participating students develop networking skills and build knowledge of public policy,” according to the university.

“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.”

Chaney will spend the fall 2024 semester as an intern under Rep. August Pfluger, the representative of the 11th District of Texas. During the internship, Chaney will live at the Texas Tech House with other interns from Texas Tech University and receive an $8,000 stipend to help cover the costs of living in Washington, D.C. He will also earn six ASU credit hours in political science.

“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.”

Chaney, a former foster care youth, 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 in political science with minors in English and history.

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