The latest addition to our series of Stover Alumni Spotlights features Colin Phillips, a member of the Class of 2015.
Q: Where has life taken you since graduating from Waynesburg?
Following graduation in 2015, I attended the University of Georgia and obtained a master’s degree in political science. Since then, I largely have worked in the government space in both the Michigan and Ohio legislatures and now as a state affairs team member with the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of America.
Q: What does your typical day look like?
On a day-to-day basis, I track legislation and regulations for seventeen states and D.C. that impact members of our association. In doing so, I collaborate with our state associations, where possible, to effectively handle policy issues that arise and communicate the value of alcohol wholesalers in that state. The craziness of a day largely hinges on time of year as most states are in session towards the beginning of the year and adjourn by the end of June.
Q: How did the Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership help prepare you for success?
The Stover Program greatly helped me with skills needed to succeed in graduate school as well as my career. I tell people all the time that I could have easily stayed home and went to a large, public university, but it would not have set me up for my life as the Stover program at Waynesburg did.
Q: Do you have a favorite memory from your time in the Stover Program?
The D.C. trips were incredibly memorable. I also loved the time spent with other scholars talking through the main issues of the day. People on both sides of the political aisle shared thoughts and it was incredibly respectful. In today’s political climate, it is hard to see those instances – so it reassures me that common ground and polite conversations can and should occur.
Q: What advice do you have for current Stover Scholars? For recent Stover graduates?
Remember what Dr. Stratton exclaims – “Transform the Polis!” – and live that out in your daily life. The insight gained as scholars based on our nation’s founding fathers, our Christian faith and our experiences best prepare you to go out into the world and make a difference. Whether that be in a law or government space or not, the program prepares you to make a notable impact in your workplace and community.
Q: Is there anything else you'd like to share?
My wife Megan and I celebrated our five-year wedding anniversary this year and have two little ones – Everett (4) and Emerson (2). We keep busy by visiting local parks, the Columbus Zoo and attending local sporting events. We are also actively engaged in our local church, Lifepoint Church, and lead a family bible study.
Political Science Program at Waynesburg
We train students in political science as part of an interdisciplinary major in social science to help them prepare for future careers in business, education, government, journalism, law, and politics.
About the Stover Center for Constitutional Leadership
Waynesburg University’s Stover Center for Constitutional Studies and Moral Leadership is an interdisciplinary scholarly center dedicated to bringing insights from the U.S. Constitution’s Founding Era and from Christianity to bear in the contemporary public square, with the ultimate goal of creatively transforming the ethical state of the polis.
About Waynesburg University
Consistently ranked a best value school, Waynesburg University’s Strategy for the 21st Century affirms its commitment to developing an entrepreneurial mindset and ethical leadership skills for all students. Rooted in its mission of faith, learning and service, the private, Christian university is located on a traditional campus in the hills of southwestern Pennsylvania.
