Since 1970, the Center for the Study of the Presidency and Congress (CSPC) Presidential Fellows Program has inspired college students to become the public servants that will guide our nation’s future. Today, the program continues that mission by providing top collegiate students in the United States and around the world with the opportunity to study the U.S. Presidency, the public policymaking process, and our President’s relationships with Congress, allies, the media, and the American public. Over the course of an academic year, the Fellows learn about leadership and governance, share their outstanding research, and explore careers in public service.

Since its inception, the Fellows Program has developed leadership skills in more than 1,500 students. Many of our Fellows have been awarded the prestigious Rhodes, Marshall, Fulbright, Truman, and Gates Scholarships. Alumni of the Fellows Program also have the distinction of serving in positions such as Capitol Hill and White House staffers, award-winning journalists, CEOs of corporations and non-profit organizations, senior military leaders, and university presidents and deans.

Established in 2022, the Nate Morris Fellowship at Princeton University expands the Fellows Program to include a participant from the University’s School of Public and International Affairs, where Morris was a graduate student in the Master in Public Affairs program from 2007 to 2009. Nate Morris is the Nate Morris is Chairman and CEO of Morris Industries, a privately held conglomerate headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky. Founded in 2010, Morris Industries leverages the power of business to solve some of America’s biggest challenges. Morris also serves as the Founder and Chairman of Republic Financial, a leading provider in health and life insurance solutions that protects America’s families. Prior to Morris Industries, Nate Morris founded Rubicon, one of America’s largest waste and recycling companies operating in 50 states and 20 countries. Legally formed in 2009 with a $10,000 line of credit. Morris served as CEO for over 12 years. Under his leadership, Morris led a $2-billion-dollar transaction to bring Rubicon public on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and Rubicon was named “One of the World’s Most Innovative Companies” by Fast Company, an “Industry Disruptor” by Inc. Magazine, and a Great Place to Work™ 5 consecutive years, providing 100% free healthcare for all employees. Rubicon is only one of nine Kentucky companies to become public in the 230-year history of the New York Stock Exchange. 

Current Nate Morris Fellow – Rachel Morrow, MPA '25

Previous Nate Morris Fellow – Odette Overton, MPA ’23

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS

• Travel to Washington D.C. - Fellows travel to Washington, D.C. for a leadership conference. During this multi-day event, they discuss today’s most pressing challenges and innovative ideas while interacting with national policymakers and leading experts.
• Research - The centerpiece of the Fellowship is a 10-15 page research paper on the key issues of the past, present and/or future as they relate to the Presidency and Congress.
• Publishing and Awards - All students present their research at the leadership conference and are eligible to receive one of five monetary awards for their papers while competing for publication in CSPC’s journal, The Fellows Review.
• Global Engagement - Fellows have the chance to network with peers from across the globe through the International Presidential Fellows program. International Fellows from Canada, France, Japan, Mexico, Panama, and South Africa and other countries participate alongside their U.S. counterparts.
• Special Events - Over the course of the program, the Fellows attend special events like CSPC’s Annual Awards Dinner, which honors leading public servants including, U.S. Senators, Governors, Cabinet Secretaries, and military leaders. As alumni, Fellows are invited to come back and join CSPC for the Awards Dinner, alumni social events, and other convenings.

BECOMING A FELLOW

SPIA selects the Nate Morris Fellow annually under the guidance of CSPC. Rising second-year MPA students interested in pursuing the fellowship in 2024 should contact the Director of Graduate Career Development, Barbara Hampton, for additional information and apply by July 31.

Undergraduate students, master's degree students in other Princeton departments, and students attending institutions without a formal partnership with CSPC are invited to apply for the CSPC's At-Large Presidential Fellowship. Fellows can come from any major or concentration, but all must have strong academic credentials, a demonstrated interest in the institutions of the Presidency and Congress, and a desire to make public service a part of their careers. 

Learn more about the CSPC