Published on July 25, 2016 by Erin Bognar  
Political science major Kaitlen Mullen
Political science major Kaitlen Mullen

Samford University history and political science major Kaitlen Mullen of Norcross, Georgia, participated in the Republican National Convention last week through an internship at The Washington Center (TWC). The educational organization offers semester and summer internships in the nation’s capital while allowing participants to maintain full-time student status. As a leader in academic experience, TWC has helped more than 50,000 students from across the globe gain experience in many fields of study.

TWC sends students to both the Republican and Democratic nominating conventions, combining an inside view of national politics with academic structure and hands-on experience. Along with undertaking various jobs during the convention, students also participate in academic learning, attend briefings, participate in small groups and hear from experts in the field. 

Mullen worked as a convention reporter with Talk Media News. "During the Convention, I would attend every session and write articles based on the content of the speakers,” Mullen said. “Then I would attend different delegation events in order to interview delegates and better understand the difference in state delegations."

Mullen also attended the Washington Center Campaign seminar the week before the convention where she learned about the history of the United States convention process, interpreted the 2016 election cycle and heard from speakers including Secret Service agents and Cleveland, Ohio, police chief Calvin Williams.

Mullen always desired to attend a convention and was well qualified for her position. She previously interned with Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-AL,) worked on Marco Rubio's presidential campaign and currently serves on the executive board of College Republicans at Samford.

"I am so thankful for Samford's partnership with The Washington Center which enabled me to attend the RNC,” Mullen said. “My Samford education has expanded my mind inside the classroom with incredible professors, as well as enabled me to experience the political process through internships."


Erin Bognar is a journalism and mass communication major and news and feature writer in the Division of Marketing and Communication.

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 6,101 students from 45 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.