TROY – A Troy University student has become one of 12 university students nationwide to be selected for an internship in the federal government.

Randall D. Reed, a junior political science major and a member of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians, has been awarded a 10-week internship from the Morris K. Udall Foundation. The 2005 Native American Congressional Internship award will send Reed to the Federal City just after Memorial Day.

“I'm very excited to be among the 12 chosen to intern this summer.  It has always been a dream of mine to work in the heart of politics, our nation's capitol.  This is not only a dream come true, but an experience of a lifetime,” said Reed, who is from Citronelle. “ I hope to learn a lot, to see a lot, and help prepare myself for the real world of politics.  It is truly an honor to be able to represent my peers in the Political Science Department, Troy University , and most importantly my family and people of the MOWA Band of Choctaw Indians.”

The interns will work full-time in congressional offices or federal agencies and observe the federal legislative process first-hand. Special enrichment activities will provide opportunities to meet with key decision-makers. Since its inception in 1996, 114 Native American/Alaska Native students from 78 tribes have participated in the program. Reed will be interning at the Department of Interior.

“ Troy University is extremely proud of Randall and his accomplishments.  He is joining a select group of students, nationwide, who have had this internship opportunity and we know that his activities this summer will be a strong complement to the academic experience he’s had at Troy University,” said Dr. Hal Fulmer, the University’s associate provost. 

The Morris K. Udall Foundation was authorized by Congress in 1992 to honor Congressman Udall’s legacy of public service. The Foundation is supported by a trust fund in the U.S. Treasury and contributions from the private sector. The internship stipend covers round-trip airfare, lodging, meals and other travel expenses and a $1,200 honorarium.

Congressman Udall served in the House of Representatives for three decades. He championed the rights of Native Americans and Alaska Natives, using his leadership in Congress to strengthen tribal self-governance and national environmental policy.