Nikki Chen, Brittney Hudson-Smith and Desiree Jenkins are the University of South Carolina’s newest Presidential Management Fellows. The
Presidential Management Fellowship is the federal government’s most prestigious leadership development program for advanced
degree holders. Selected from a competitive field of over 7,000 applicants, they are
among only 825 recipients nationwide.
Why it matters
Administered by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management, this program is designed
to attract and develop the next generation of public service leaders. Participants
from all fields are accepted, encouraging recipients to grow as leaders in their areas
of interest and expertise.
What it offers
Presidential Management Fellows are employed at various government agencies for two
years, earning a full-time salary and benefits package. In addition to leadership
training, the fellowship provides a pathway to federal government careers and access
to a vast network of PMF alumni.
Who they are
![Nikki Chen](/about/offices_and_divisions/fellowships_and_scholar_programs/images/2024/inline/pmf-chen_2024-300.png)
Nikki Chen is a first-generation South Carolina Honors College student who will earn her Pharm.D.
this spring. A 2022 USC Outstanding Senior award winner, she looks forward to continued
leadership development through the Presidential Management Fellowship. Chen’s career
goal is to improve public health by ensuring that new medications are safe, effective
and thoroughly reviewed.
![Brittney Hudson-Smith](/about/offices_and_divisions/fellowships_and_scholar_programs/images/2024/inline/pmf-hudsonsmith_2024-300.png)
Brittney Hudson-Smith is a nonprofit professional who is simultaneously pursuing an Ed.D. degree at USC.
As a Presidential Management Fellow, she will be able to access roles in governing
agencies that impact the education field and be a catalyst for change. Hudson-Smith
aims to make a positive impact on Black girls’ experiences in high school science
education.
![Desiree Jenkins](/about/offices_and_divisions/fellowships_and_scholar_programs/images/2024/inline/pmf-jenkins_2024-300.png)
Desiree Jenkins earned a Master of Public Health from USC in fall 2023. She will use the Presidential
Management Fellowship to launch her public health career and connect with others in
her chosen field. Committed to public service and improving the lives of others, Jenkins
aspires to revamp public health policies and improve their effectiveness.
National Fellowships and Scholar Programs provides support for Presidential Management
Fellowship applicants. Students interested in learning more should contact USC’s national fellowships team.