Here’s a quick glimpse at one of many impressive outcomes HPU graduates achieve.
Name: Peyton Curry, Class of 2025
Hometown: Denver, North Carolina
Major: Political Science; minor in Business Administration
Internship plans: Peyton will be interning in the Governor’s Fellows Program for Governor Jeff Landry’s Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. The Governor’s Fellows Program in Louisiana Government is an opportunity for college and university student leaders to experience public policy in action, learn the rich history and current affairs of Louisiana government, as well as earn three hours of academic credit through Louisiana State University’s Department of Public Administration. As a fellow, Peyton will be assigned to a cabinet-level agency and have the opportunity to gain valuable experience by collaborating with agency leaders on existing projects, observing firsthand the Governor’s leadership strategies and learning how state policies are developed. In addition, he will participate in a weekly speaker series, regular academic courses scheduled by the university, and trips through Louisiana designed to enhance his overall experience and understanding of state government and current affairs.
How HPU helped you get there: “HPU provided me with great mentors such as Dr. Brandon Lenoir — Associate Professor of Strategic Communication and Dr. Mark Setzler — Professor of Political Sciences and Director of International Relations Program. They have guided me both in and out of the classroom, enabling me to prepare myself academically and professionally for an internship of this caliber. Without HPU’s fantastic professors, I would not have been able to grow into the professional I am today.”
Most impactful mentor at HPU: “Dr. Brandon Lenoir has been a great mentor for me in many ways. From having him in a class where I did not talk much, to taking his global experience course and traveling around the world to Australia with him, I have had the pleasure of having many conversations with Dr. Lenoir on how to navigate life after college. Without the great amount of insight that he has provided for me, I would not be in the position I am today, chasing my dreams!”
Most impactful moment at HPU: “Taking Dr. Lenoir’s campaigns class was my most impactful moment at HPU. This class provided us with true experience on how to build and execute a true campaign. Going to Washington, D.C. to lobby Congress was our end goal; this gave me the ability to learn new skills and put them into action in an applicable manner.”
What are the life skills HPU helped you develop that prepared you for long-term success? “HPU has helped me develop and refine many life skills including creative thinking, problem solving and the ability to accept criticism. By developing and refining these crucial life skills, I have been able to adapt and present myself with many great opportunities both on and off campus, such as this internship.”
What are the values and virtues HPU’s campus helped you develop that you’ll take with you after graduation? “HPU has helped refine the importance of honesty and respect. It is ingrained in us students from our first day on campus with the University Honor Code. Both of these values play into my character which is going to reflect who I am to any employers, and that is something that I want to be proud of.”
Advice for underclassmen: “Get involved, do the hard work. Everything in life will not be handed to you on a silver platter. There is going to be a time where you will have to put your head down and grind it out, that’s where I am now, and I could not be more excited for the challenge.”
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