Akeen Hamilton, Ellen Stowe and Michaela Williams are among the five University of South Carolina students and alumni selected for the 2022-2023 Presidential Management Fellowship, a highly competitive leadership development program for advanced degree candidates entering federal government work.

Why it matters: As Presidential Management Fellows, these students demonstrate exceptional potential for leadership and a commitment to public service, ultimately contributing to the betterment of public health across the nation.

What it offers: The fellowship provides two years of paid employment with a federal government agency. Participants gain professional development training, a support network and federal career advancement opportunities.

Who they are: Hamilton, Stowe and Williams have all completed graduate-level study at the Arnold School of Public Health.

• Akeen Hamilton will graduate this May with a Ph.D. in health promotion, education and behavior. Akeem's career goals involve continuing work in health research and leveraging his expertise to effectively impact health outcomes. The fellowship offers him the opportunity to explore various government organizations and make informed decisions about potential career paths.
• Ellen Stowe earned her Ph.D. in health promotion, education and behavior in 2022. Stowe works as a public health research and surveillance ORISE fellow at the CDC's division of nutrition, physical activity and obesity. She plans to continue her career in the federal government and enjoys witnessing the impact it has on communities and public health nationwide.
• Michaela Williams is a 2022 alumna currently working as a program analyst at the Columbia VA Health Care System. She earned a Master's in Health Administration in public health services policy and management from USC. As a Presidential Management Fellow, she looks forward to developing leadership skills and preparing her for roles in public health to continue improving community health and safety.

Learn more: For more information about the Presidential Management Fellowship or other fellowship opportunities, visit National Fellowships and Scholar Programs.