Top left to right: John Waters, Kate Rumisek, Alexa Kays and Sean Happel. Bottom left to right: Lucas Piroli, Sydney Goldberg, Cole McLellan and Andrew Otanes.
Eight Florida State University students have been named to the highly competitive Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Class XXI, a yearlong program that places ten emerging leaders within state agencies to provide them with firsthand experience in policymaking and government operations.
The FSU fellows, made up of students from the College of Law and the College of Social Sciences and Public Policy, represent the university’s commitment to public service and preparing the next generation of leaders for the state.
The following FSU students were named to the 2025 Gubernatorial Fellows Class:
Sean Happel, a graduate student in Political Science, placed at the Department of Environmental Protection
Sydney Goldberg, a graduate student in Political Science, placed at the Division of Emergency Management
John Waters, a graduate student in Political Science, placed at the Department of Health
Cole McLellan, a law student, placed at the Department of Law Enforcement
Alexa Kays, a law student, placed at the Department of State
Lucas Piroli, a law student, placed at the Executive Office of the Governor, General Counsel
Andrew Otanes, a law student, placed at the Department of Commerce
Kate Rumisek, a law student, placed at the Department of Corrections
The program allows students to work alongside senior leaders in various state agencies. The fellows will conclude the program with a formal presentation of their policy research findings and recommendations directly to the state’s senior leadership.
Three of the FSU’s Gubernatorial Fellows shared their experiences about the fellowship and their future careers:
Goldberg, a graduate student in political science, is completing her fellowship at the Division of Emergency Management. Goldberg, who also earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from FSU, is applying her academic knowledge to aid state functions.
“Being a part of this program is a way to represent Florida for me, and to continue to express my interest in politics,” she said. “This experience is for students in the next class of young professionals who want to be invested in public service.”
Reflecting on her undergraduate career, she credits FSU’s Department of Political Science with teaching her the necessary skills to thrive in her current position.
“I do not think I would be in the position that I am without the guidance and the mentorship from my undergraduate professors, administration and fellow students,” Goldberg said. “I took a lot of classes that helped build my foundational knowledge, giving me an applicable understanding of what we were going to be doing in the real world. My experience really helped me build my career skill set.”
McLellan, a second-year student at the FSU College of Law, is placed at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE). McLellan received his undergraduate degree in cyber criminology from FSU, which provided a strong foundation for his work in the criminal justice field.
He says his experience at FDLE has been a great learning opportunity. He will split his semesters working first in the Cyber Division and then with the Office of the General Counsel, giving him interdisciplinary experience over the course of his fellowship.
McLellan discussed the advantages of participating in the program alongside seven other FSU students, noting how they support each other and maintain a sense of accountability.
“It is reassuring because we are bouncing what we’re feeling off each other, and it keeps our motivation going,” McLellan said. “It’s definitely nice to have people to talk to that are right there with you, so you don’t feel as alienated.”
Piroli, also a law student at the FSU College of Law, is completing his fellowship in the Executive Office of the Governor, General Counsel. Piroli received his bachelor’s degree in finance before coming to FSU Law.
Piroli said working at the General Counsel’s office provides valuable experience with a wide range of legal issues.
“This is a prestigious program and getting to work in the government for the third largest state in the country is just really special,” Piroli said. “It’s a great administration and I’m really proud to be able to serve Florida and contribute and to learn from some impressive leaders.”
After his time in the fellowship and graduation, Piroli aims to use his experience to serve his community.
“I’m learning a lot being able to work with such talented professionals right now, which gives me the opportunity to gain some great leadership skills and learn what it means to be a public servant, which I know will be great to bring with me into my career, whatever that may be,” Piroli said.
Florida State University is widely recognized for providing exceptional opportunities for students to engage in governmental activities. These opportunities provide FSU students with the hands-on experience they need to set them up for professional success while training the next generation of policymakers in Florida.
For more information, visit floridafellows.com.