Edwards selected as fellow to DC program

University of North Georgia (UNG) junior William Edwards is the school's presidential fellow to the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) for 2024-25.

Monthly online seminars will allow Edwards, a cadet who is pursuing a degree in history, to study the public policymaking process and the president's relationship with Congress, allies, the media, and the public. A multiday leadership conference in Washington, D.C., will wrap up the program.

Edwards said he is optimistic about the nation's future and appreciates how this fellowship will help him grow ahead of future opportunities.

"UNG has given me a lot of confidence in the fact that I can make a difference," Edwards said. "My voice and my thoughts have meaning."

Edwards is particularly interested in the nation's space efforts, including the mission to return to the moon.

"I want to see us, as a nation and international community, get back to space and reach heights we've never gone to before," Edwards said.

To cap off his year, Edwards will write a research paper about what he learns.

Dr. Victoria Hightower, professor of history, is excited for Edwards to be a fellow to the CSPC.

"I am so proud of Will for his dedication and drive. Being selected for this will serve as an important part of his intellectual development," Hightower said. "And I know he is up to the challenge."

The CSPC aims to "promote leadership in the presidency and the Congress to generate innovative solutions to current national challenges."

"Will's potential was obvious from his freshman year. He stood out in his large world history survey class, which is difficult to do," Dr. Thomas Greene, assistant professor of history and assistant director of the Honors Program on UNG's Dahlonega Campus, said. "He has built successfully on this foundation, and I have no doubt that he will succeed in the CSPC program."