Collegiate Times

When he first learned about his acceptance, Jeffery Daniel Stern did not do the expected thing and call his mother.

But that?s not to say he wasn?t excited.

?My initial reaction was one of disbelief and certainly one of gratitude. The first person I told? well, I should probably say that I told my mom first, but as I recall, I told my brother,? Stern said.

Stern, a Virginia Tech public administration doctoral student in the School of Public and International Affairs in the College of Architecture and Urban Studies was recently appointed a White House Fellow by President George W. Bush.

The White House Fellows program was founded in 1964 by Lyndon B. Johnson to provide gifted and motivated American adolescents the opportunity to gain first-hand experience working at the highest level of the federal government. Fellows typically spend a year as full-time, paid special assistants to top-ranking government officials, including senior White House Staff members, the Vice President and Cabinet Secretaries.

Because the White House Fellows Program is one of the nation?s most prestigious programs for leadership and public service, selection is highly competitive and acceptance honorable.

?I?m really excited,? Stern said. ?There?s a reason they call it a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.?

Stern decided to apply for the White House Fellows program after a visit to New Orleans in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. For two-and-a-half weeks, Stern helped lead an emergency incident management team from Arlington, Va., coordinating federal resources.

?He had to leave class to go to New Orleans? that?s the only time he missed class,? said Stern?s normative foundation of public management professor John Rohr. ?Not only is he an exceptional student, but he was able to balance school with the important task of helping organize a community and make the best of a bad situation.?

While Stern was amidst the damage, two former White House Fellows encouraged him to apply for the program, impressed by his leadership and background.

Stern serves as a member of the Arlington County Fire Department and as deputy coordinator of emergency services in the Arlington County Office of Emergency Management. His pervasive expertise in the areas of firefighting and paramedics complement the White House Fellows? esteemed doctrine.

?I think my perspective as an emergency responder at the local level is unique,? he said. ?I?ve been on the frontlines where federal policy is implemented, interacting with citizens and understanding how things work on the ground level. That?s important.?

The White House Fellows will commence in September, placing Stern in Washington D.C. As of right now, his specific future duties are not concrete.

According to Stern, White House Fellows receive either one of three assignments, or a combination.

One pertains to a specific project either in the White House or a Cabinet agency. Another occurs on an observational level with fellows shadowing senior level appointees in government work. The final assignment involves helping manage various components of policy making.

Regardless of assignment, Stern said he looks forward to the opportunity for several reasons.

?(The White House Fellows) is invaluable in helping me to be a better leader,? he said. ?I?ll be exposed to all these other amazing, inspirational people. And it will help me be a better American.?

Along with his excitement, Stern admits the task at times is daunting.

?I?m not exactly nervous, but there are big expectations to fill. Hopefully, I?ll carry the Virginia Tech name fairly well.?

Rohr is positive Stern will represent Tech better than fair.

?He?ll do an excellent job,? he said.