Fairmont State University Junior and Vice President of the Fairmont State Student Government Association Tyler Keller has been chosen as a Judith Herndon Fellow for the upcoming legislative session.

This is among the most honored internships in the state and those who are chosen participate in a competitive interview process. Teller is the first student in three years to be offered this opportunity.

“I have a passion for politics and for understanding what makes our state and country function behind the scenes. I have known I wanted to go into law/politics since I was little because I would talk about it with my mom, who is my biggest inspiration,” Keller said. “She took me with her to vote when I was little, and ever since that day I have been deeply interested in civic duty.”

He is looking forward to getting as much out of this experience as possible.

“I’m beyond privileged and excited to begin as a fellow,” Keller said. “Hopefully, I will gain a great working relationship with my colleagues and with the members of the legislature. This will help prepare me for law school in a the coming years.”

Keller is a double major in Political Science and National Security & Intelligence. He is also a member of Pi Sigma Alpha, the political science honor society, and a brother of Phi Sigma Phi national fraternity.

Undergraduates are selected to participate in the 60-day session as Herndon Fellows and are assigned to assist a sole legislator from either the Senate of the House of Delegates.

The interns are required to perform research and various staff functions. Among other job-related responsibilities, participants are introduced to and develop an understanding of the politics of legislation, legislative research, bill drafting, the role and function of committees and the executive-legislative liaison.