Ashley Morgan, BS Sports and Exercise Psychology 2015, wanted to put her degree to good use. Once she explored her options she discovered an interest in public administration. CPASS faculty guided Morgan through her decisions to make the next step in her career.
“After a long conversation with Dr. Zizzi, he had me thinking that there might be another program out there,” Morgan said. “This is when he introduced the public administration Master’s program to me.” After meeting with several faculty members about the program, Morgan decided this was the track for her.
Morgan ultimately landed an internship with Senator Joe Manchin III’s office in Washington D.C. to gain experience in the field. She spent two months during the summer of 2015 working on Capitol Hill.
Morgan frequently worked with the healthcare legislative team that focused on the prescription drug epidemic that the state of West Virginia is facing. She became involved with the Education Bill that passed through the senate.
“During Senator Manchin’s speech on the Senate floor he included many of the statistics that I research,” Morgan said.
Morgan appreciates the guidance she received from CPASS faculty. “The relationship with CPASS faculty helped me have the confidence to apply for an internship that seemed out of my reach,” Morgan said.
Although her internship was based on a public administration route, she used team building techniques and a variety of theories that she learned throughout her undergraduate career with CPASS.
“As an alumnus of CPASS I advise all students to take full advantage of every opportunity and take every moment for what it is,” Morgan said.
Morgan looked to Dr. Zizzi, Dr. Clement, Dr. Watson, Professor Brewster and Dr. Etzel for advice and guidance while applying for the internship as well as throughout her career goals.
“I always knew that they would support me in all that I do,” she explained. “I consider Professor Brewster to be a mentor. He has helped me through every aspect of Student Government and helped me find my voice and discover my passion.”
“I know that I would not be the person I am today without CPASS,” Morgan added. “This college changed my life and I cannot thank CPASS enough for supporting me in all that I did and still do.”