Gary L. McDowell Institute 2022-23 Student Fellows Program

True to the principles that inspire the McDowell Institute, the Student Fellows Program seeks to engage ideas across the ideological spectrum and is designed to enrich the intellectual experience of students interested in political, social, and economic thought. 

The 2022-23 fellows participate in a co-curricular reading group focused on Roosevelt Montás"Rescuing Socrates: How the Great Books Changed My Life and Why They Matter for a New Generation" (Princeton University Press, 2021). Montás grew up in the Dominican Republic before moving to New York City at age 12. He discovered the classics four years later after rescuing a book of Socrates' writings from his neighbor’s trash. He studied at Columbia University, where he is now senior lecturer in American studies and English. "Rescuing Socrates" details his experiences as both a student and teacher. In it, he shares how the Great Books transformed his life and why they have the power to speak to people of all backgrounds.

Fellows discuss enduring questions raised by the text and apply insights to contemporary issues. 

Students interested in becoming a McDowell Fellow should email McDowell Institute co-director Dr. Terry Price a statement of interest in the program and the name of a University of Richmond faculty member who is willing to serve as a reference. A selection committee will begin reviewing applications on Sept. 9.

2022-23 Seminar Leaders

Kevin Cherry Dr. Kevin Cherry, Associate Professor of Political Science
Jessica Flanigan Dr. Jessica Flanigan, Associate Professor of Leadership Studies and Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law, Richard L. Morrill Chair in Ethics and Democratic Values

2022-23 Scholar-for-the-Day

Dr. Roosevelt Montás,
Senior Lecturer in American Studies and English, Columbia University, author of "Rescuing Socrates"

2022-23 Student Fellows

Charley Blount Charley Blount, ’23
Political Science and Leadership Studies
Shelby Campbell, ’25
Leadership Studies
Kate Chasin Kate Chasin, ’26
Undeclared Major
Abby Clar Abby Clar, ’24
Leadership Studies and Business Administration
Sean Corbett, ’23
Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL); Leadership Studies Minor
Olivia Cranshaw Olivia Cranshaw, ’24
Leadership Studies and Business Administration
Nico Ellis, '23
Leadership Studies and Political Science
Claire Geibel Claire Geibel, ’26
Undeclared Major
Brie Grossman Gabrielle Grossman, ’23
Leadership Studies and Business Administration
Joe Haines Joe Haines, ’23
Leadership Studies and History
Peter Hawes Peter Hawes, ’24
Philosophy
Anna-Laura Houston, '25
Leadership Studies
Olivia Kivort Olivia Kivort, ’24
Business Administration and Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL)
Kalina Kulig Kalina Kulig, ’26
Undeclared Major
Bond Magevney Bond Magevney, ’23
Leadership Studies and Political Science
Ben Mathios Benjamin Mathios, ’23
English and Leadership Studies; Latin American, Latino and Iberian Studies Minor
Annie Michael, '24
Leadership Studies and Philosophy, Politics, Economics, and Law (PPEL); Entrepreneurship Minor

Lauren Oligino, '24
Leadership Studies and Political Science; Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies Minor

Ella-Grace Will Ella-Grace Will, ’26
Undeclared Major