Doctoral Student Becomes Finalist in National Competitive Fellowship Program

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Catherine Hopkins

University of Arkansas doctoral student, Catherine Hopkins, has been designated as a finalist for the 2016 Presidential Management Fellowship competition.

The Presidential Management Fellowship is one of the most competitive fellowships in the country. The program provides on-the-job leadership and management training to recent graduates with an advanced degree within two years. The fellowship takes place in Washington, D.C., and was created nearly three decades ago by presidential executive order. Its goal is to develop potential government leaders and provide them with leadership training.

The Presidential Management Fellowship includes 160 hours of interactive training, challenging work assignments, a half-year long developmental assignment and potential promotions

The process for the fellowship is lengthy. First, Hopkins had to submit a resume, complete an online assessment and answer a series of essay questions. Of the several thousand initial applicants, only a few hundred were selected for the semi-final round. In the semi-final round, participants had to travel to Washington and complete an in-person assessment. It consisted of an interview, a group exercise and a written exam. Only after successful completion of these steps was Hopkins selected as a finalist.

Hopkins is completing her doctorate in the U of A higher education leadership program. Hopkins' dissertation, chaired by Professor James O. Hammons, is an evaluation of the criteria used to assess Title IX responsible employee training programs.

Hopkins lives in Washington and credits her move to the nation's capital with igniting her interest in public service. Her dream fellowship appointments are with the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights, the office responsible for Title IX enforcement, or the Department of Justice's Office on Violence Against Women. Hopkins says she is also open to PMF positions in other areas of the government if a position becomes available that would provide an interesting and unique experience.

"Being named finalist is a huge opportunity for me and I am honored to be selected to this prestigious fellowship program," she said.

Hopkins will begin her Presidential Management Fellowship job search in August of this year after she completes her dissertation defense. She has until the end of February 2017 to accept a fellowship appointment.