MTSU Mondays: Internship gives capitol closeup; Honorees receive community service awards
Here's the latest news from Middle Tennessee State University:
Middle Tennessee State University senior journalism major Tiffany Parker took her communications skills to the state Capitol during the 114th General Assembly as a legislative intern for state Rep. Mike Sparks thanks to an ongoing university program.
Parker, who has been focused on working with local media outlets to gain expertise in her field, also aspires to be an attorney one day — so getting a closeup look at the state legislative process was definitely a draw.
'I've been very busy in these last two years building a rich tapestry because I want to stand out and I want to build a career,' said Parker, who plans to attend law school after graduating from MTSU in the coming year. 'I've just had my nose down and working and that's what I think Rep. Sparks saw. I've had a rich experience working for him and I'm so grateful.'
Each year, 70 to 80 students from around the state participate in this program to learn about leadership responsibilities as well as develop legislative process skills. The interns assist legislative offices with their activities and work functions.
Although Parker is majoring in journalism, Sparks connected her with the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program through the Department of Political and Global Affairs in the College of Liberal Arts, which coordinates the program at MTSU.
Many students who take part in the legislative internships are political science majors. But the major doesn't matter, said Amy Atchison, chair of the Department of Political and Global Affairs.
'We welcome applicants from any major on campus,' she said.
Parker's internship duties vary, from writing press releases to working on paperwork, answering calls from constituents, doing research and running errands.
Sparks, who completed his second degree at MTSU in December 2024, said it's a 'win-win' for everyone involved, including his constituents in District 49, which represents the Smyrna and La Vergne areas in Rutherford County.
'All my interns have helped me be more effective, be more productive and more efficient. So I'm proud to get an intern,' said Sparks, who has hired multiple MTSU students to intern in his office. 'I think it's life-changing for them and it's such an opportunity for them.'
The Tennessee Legislative Intern Program was established in 1972 to provide Tennessee college and university students with an opportunity to work and learn in a hands-on legislative environment.
State Sen. Shane Reeves, a native of Murfreesboro and six-year veteran of the legislature, has employed an intern each year he's been in office.
'I've been a senator for six years and all of those years I've had an intern, and they have proven to be invaluable in my office,' said Reeves, 'not just in customer service, but doing research projects for me, in the committees I'm involved with in health, commerce and agriculture.'
For Parker, the experience as an intern at the state Capitol has opened a whole new world to her.
'Everything I've learned is all coming together. Now I understand the jargon,' Parker said. 'Being at the Capitol just feels right. I can't put my finger on it.'
Visit https://bit.ly/437hdgA to learn more about the legislative intern program.
Middle Tennessee State University's Nancy Prescott, a graduate student in history; Dianna Rust, professor in University Studies, and Violet Cox-Wingo, Department of Social Work lecturer, were recently honored among recipients of the 2025 Harold Love Outstanding Community Service Award.
Presented by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, the prestigious award honors exemplary service and leadership in community engagement across the state's higher education institutions and were presented during a special ceremony at the Tennessee Capitol.
The award is given to students, faculty or staff members from Tennessee's two- and four-year postsecondary institutions each year. It recognizes individuals who have demonstrated a strong commitment to volunteerism, public service and leadership in community organizations. Each recipient receives a $1,000 cash prize for their outstanding contributions.
Named after late Rep. Harold Love Sr., the award was established in 1991 and later renamed in 1997 to honor his legacy of public service. The program continues to celebrate individuals who serve as ambassadors for community engagement throughout Tennessee's higher education system.
Read more about the three honorees at mtsunews.com.
MTSU Mondays content is provided by submissions from MTSU News and Media Relations.
This article originally appeared on Murfreesboro Daily News Journal: Internship gives capitol closeup; Honorees receive community awards
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