FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 20, 2018

For More Information:
Glenville State College
Public Relations Department
(304) 462-4115

GLENVILLE, WV-With the regular session of the West Virginia Legislature over, many West Virginians are wondering how the legislative process works and what got accomplished during the session. Glenville State College students Haley Biller, Jacob Coots, and Joshua Rexroad got to experience firsthand how different laws were debated and voted on, the complexity of the budget-making process, and the lead up to the statewide teacher work stoppage.

The trio were selected as Frasure-Singleton Interns to participate in the 2018 legislative session. As Frasure-Singleton interns, each student was assigned to a legislator in either the House of Delegates or in the Senate and were able to attend committee meetings and public hearings, aid their legislators with research, and help with constituent requests and other legislative tasks.

Haley Biller, a native of Horner, West Virginia and a junior at GSC majoring in behavioral science with a minor in criminal justice, was assigned to Delegate Jason Harshbarger in the House of Delegates. Delegate Harshbarger is a Republican who represents the 7th district in Ritchie and Pleasants Counties. Elected to the House of Delegates in 2016, Harshbarger serves on the Agriculture and natural resources, energy, industry and labor, and judiciary committees.

"Being able to have this experience at the Legislature was a tremendous learning experience! I was able to see what happens in committee meetings, and how ideas move their way through the legislative process firsthand. I am grateful for this experience, and I'm honored to have been chosen as a Frasure-Singleton intern," said Biller.

Jacob Coots, a native of Beckley, West Virginia and a sophomore at GSC majoring in history and political science with a minor in criminal justice, was assigned to Delegate Jeffrey Pack in the House of Delegates. Delegate Pack is a Republican who represents the 28th district in Monroe, Summers, and Raleigh Counties. Appointed to the House of Delegates by Governor Jim Justice in 2018, Delegate Pack serves on government organization, small business and economic development, and the veterans affairs and homeland security committees.

"My experience with the West Virginia State Legislature is one that I will never forget. It was a truly amazing opportunity to see the legislative process in action. I enjoyed my time there so much that I hope to return as a Herndon intern. I would like to thank Delegate Pack for a wonderful experience," said Coots.

Joshua "Logan" Rexroad, a native of Braxton County, West Virginia and sophomore at GSC majoring in marketing with a minor in political science, was assigned to Delegate Brent Boggs in the House of Delegates. Delegate Boggs is a Democrat who represents the 34th district in Braxton and Gilmer Counties. Boggs is in the minority leadership office, and is currently serving as the minority chair of the house finance committee. During his time in the House of Delegates, Boggs has served as the majority leader, chair of the house finance committee, and other leadership positions. He is also a 1976 GSC graduate.

"I had a great time following Delegate Boggs around for a week, and if other students think they might want to pursue a career in politics, I would absolutely recommend the Frasure-Singleton Internship," said Rexroad.

"I'm very proud of our three students selected for the prestigious Frasure-Singleton Internship. Haley, Jacob, and Logan did an excellent job representing Glenville State at the Capitol. This internship illustrates the types of real-world experiences all our students engage in before graduation to be prepared for employment or graduate school. I know that our lawmakers were impressed with the level of talent that was shown among this year's Interns," said GSC President Dr. Tracy Pellett.

During each legislative session up to 51 students from colleges and universities throughout West Virginia can apply to take part in the Frasure-Singleton Legislative Internship. To be eligible, students must be a college sophomore, junior, or senior, be in good academic standing, and preferably have a GPA of 3.0 or higher. For more information about these internships for GSC students, contact GSC Assistant Professor of Political Science Dr. Marisha Lecea at Marisha.Lecea@glenville.edu or (304) 462-6288.