Ball State’s 2024 Democracy Fellows

The Democracy Fellows Program is a Ball State initiative designed to cultivate a new generation of informed, empowered, and socially responsible leaders. The 2024 Democracy Fellows will gain hands-on experience in community outreach, political advocacy, and democratic processes. This program is not just about learning; it’s about actively shaping the democratic landscape of our community.

Shaina Miller

Shaina Miller is a sophomore Whitinger Scholar at Ball State University studying Political Science Pre-Law with a minor in Sustainability and a concentration in Public Administration. She is involved on Bal State’s campus through Student Government Association of which she is the Honors College Senate Representative, the Collegiate Caucus Chair, and the Environment and Community Committee Chair. She is also involved through the Honors College Peer Mentor Program, is the Vice President of her sorority, Kappa Delta, and has an Honors Undergraduate Fellowship with Professor Elizabeth Dalton. She is involved off campus through volunteering with Girl Scout Troop 32420 and has worked as Wilderness Canoe Guide for the Girl Scouts of Minnesota and Wisconsin Lakes and Pines in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.

Andy Hopkins

Andy Hopkins is a Political Science and History double major and a concentration in Public Administration. During his time at Ball State, Andy has been involved in nearly every aspect of student life, serving as the At-Large Caucus Chair in SGA, the I&F Director and Administrative Director for Residence Hall Association. He is the secretary of Theta Chi and is also a peer mentor for the Honors College and the University of College and is an Engagement Ambassador for the Office of Student Life among various other commitments.

Abigail Denault

Abigail Denault is a junior at Ball State University studying Journalism with a minor in Global Studies. She is involved in Grand Strategy, Security, and Statecraft Group (G3SG) and student media such as the Daily News and Ball Bearings Magazine. In addition, she is a part of the Honors College and the Pathways Program. Previously, she has been a part of the Teacher-Scholar program and served as an election judge in her home state of Illinois. Civic engagement and participation have been a major driving force in her life as her career choice of journalism, with its power to uphold democracy through freedom of information. Programs such as the Democracy Fellows allow her to be a part of a program that promotes the empowerment of citizens to participate in civic duties such as voting through nonpartisan initiatives.

Deborah Edwards

Deborah Edwards has a Bachelor of Arts in Japanese and is currently seeking a Master of Science in Accounting at Ball State University. Deborah currently works as a graduate assistant for Ball State University’s Entrepreneurship Center. Deborah has experience interning in both public and private accounting and as a night auditor.