Shepherd University junior political science major and Appalacian studies minor Tim Leonard, of Wheeling, was recently accepted to the Roosevelt Institute, a summer academy fellowship that combines a full-time placement in a partner organization with an integrated curriculum of leadership, policy development and implementation.

Leonard, who hopes to go into politics as a career, said he was interested in learning more about progressive policy. He will be based in Washington, D.C., for his placement, which begins June 8 and will end August 12.

Throughout the program, fellows will participate in weekly policy training and speaker series that will allow them to interact with leading progressive thinkers and policy organizations. The program, now in its fifth year, comes with a $1,500 stipend.

“Tim Leonard is a richly talented and energetic young man who will make the most of this splendid opportunity,” said Dr. Ann Legreid, dean of the School of Business and Social Sciences. “This will be an exciting and life-enhancing experience for him.”

Leonard is the external affairs coordinator for the Student Government Association, chair of the Student Life Council, captain of the Debate and Forensics Team, a board member for the Appalachian Studies Program and a member of the General Studies, Common Reading and Technology Oversight committees.

Following his December 2013 graduation from Shepherd, Leonard plans to attend Ohio University to obtain his master’s degree in communications.