Axe ’Em, Jacks!
NACOGDOCHES, Texas –– Marking the second time in university history, three Stephen F. Austin State University students represented the university in the Archer Fellowship Program in Washington, D.C. during the spring semester — joining peers from across The University of Texas System and getting a front-row seat to the policymaking process through the elite program.
Jada Cartwright, a criminal justice major from Lockhart; Casper Dirkx, a political science major from Spaarndam, Netherlands; and Nathan Lyons, a political science major from Lufkin, represented SFA in the fellowship during the spring 2025 semester.
“Our SFA Archer Fellows embody the university’s core values in Washington, D.C.,” said Laura Ferguson, communication manager of the Archer Center. “They lead with integrity, compassion and respect, serving as bridge-builders within their cohorts.”
Founded in 2001, the Archer Center serves as the UT System’s Washington campus and provides talented undergraduate and graduate students from across the UT System with the opportunity to live, learn and intern in the United States’ capital. The purpose of the program is to educate the next generation of leaders for local, state, federal and international service, according to the Archer Center website.
The Fellowship Program, established by the UT System in conjunction with former U.S. Rep. Bill Archer, provides students a sense of direction and the tools necessary to launch their respective careers. Archer Fellows make and maintain social and professional connections that can lead to continued internship opportunities and jobs after graduation.
“The Archer Fellowship Program helps students focus their career goals and objectives by exposing students to real-world policymaking,” said Dr. Steven Galatas, SFA associate professor of government and the university’s Archer Fellowship Program campus coordinator. “Students develop their skills in handling diverse, and at times, contradictory positions, attitudes and beliefs about policies that are important to the student. SFA's Archer Fellows return with greater self-confidence, leadership skills and appreciation for civic life.”
During their time in the program, participants intern with an organization of their choosing based on their professional and academic ambitions. Undergraduate Archer Fellows also earn 15 hours of in-residence credit for their experience in Washington in either the fall or spring semester. Graduate Archer Fellows earn nine hours of in-residence credit during the summer term.
“SFA Archer Fellow alumni go on to pursue leadership roles in local, state, federal, and international service,” Ferguson said. “Their transformative semester in Washington, D.C., helps Lumberjacks build confidence, establish professional connections and gain firsthand experience with federal policymaking, all while bringing essential perspectives from the East Texas region to our nation’s capital.”
Jada Cartwright
Cartwright, who interned in the office of U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, considers the opportunity a privilege that profoundly shaped her understanding of public service and deepened her commitment to civic engagement.
“Being an Archer Fellow has been one of the greatest honors of my academic and professional journey,” Cartwright said. “I left the program with a deep sense of pride, knowing I am part of a distinct and impactful network. The fellowship has opened doors, provided lasting connections, and helped shape my leadership and advocacy skills in ways I could never have imagined.”
During her internship, Cartwright communicated directly with concerned constituents, helping to convey Beatty’s positions with clarity and respect. On her first day alone, she and her fellow interns fielded more than 500 phone calls. Cartwright also assisted with drafting constituent response letters on behalf of Beatty.
“The letter-writing process is a critical component of any congressional office, serving as a direct line of communication between members of Congress and their constituents,” Cartwright said. “Being trusted with this responsibility taught me how to write clearly, persuasively and in alignment with the congresswoman’s voice and values. Contributing to this meaningful task gave me a sense of purpose and pride.”
While in Washington, Cartwright found inspiration in the vibrant community of UT System fellows and the city’s rich history. Some of her favorite memories came from the “Politics of National Memory” course, held in various iconic locations like the steps of the Supreme Court, where students discussed modern applications of constitutional law.
“I had never been surrounded by such a diverse and passionate group of individuals, many of whom held perspectives different from my own,” Cartwright said. “Despite these differences, it was inspiring to see how committed we all were to public service — both in D.C. and back home in Texas. That sense of shared purpose reinforced my belief that I belonged in this space.”
Looking ahead, Cartwright plans to prepare for the Law School Admission Test and pursue law school, crediting the Archer Center’s mentorship and resources for helping shape those goals.
Casper Dirkx
For Dirkx, serving in the office of U.S. Rep. Beth Van Duyne as a congressional intern was nothing short of a dream realized – an experience that brought his passion for politics to life in the heart of Washington.
“Being an Archer Fellow meant that I was able to grow personally and professionally,” Dirkx said. “It was a dream come true to work in the U.S. House of Representatives, learn about the federal legislative process, learn about U.S. national memory in class, and live in the nation’s capital where politics is taking place all around you.”
While interning, Dirkx was tasked with balancing constituent calls and multiple projects at once, while also giving tours of the Capitol to constituents, including a night tour of 60 constituents from Dallas.
The fellowship classes, which Dirkx considers the most memorable part of the experience, ranged from discussions in front of national landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the Supreme Court to practical simulations inside House committee rooms. Fellows also learned how to read bills in the House of Representatives, where to look them up in the U.S. Code, and how to compare appropriations across fiscal years. Dirkx considered these as valuable and practical skills that will be of use in a career in foreign affairs.
“I learned many new perspectives, what values the United States represent, and how the meaning of ‘We the People’ has changed over the centuries,” Dirkx said.
Dirkx plans to study transatlantic affairs and European political and governance studies at the College of Europe in Belgium for two years before beginning a career in foreign affairs.
“I learned and it confirmed that the classes offered at SFA are of high quality,” Dirkx said. “While having debates and discussions in class in D.C., it became clear that students from SFA bring value to the classroom and have a well-deserved place at the Archer Center.”
Nathan Lyons
Originally slated to intern with the White House, Lyons found an internship that hit a little closer to home. Instead, he interned with U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, who represents Nacogdoches and his hometown, Lufkin, while in Washington.
“It was a perfect fit to help constituents from the SFA community,” Lyons said.
Though an invaluable experience, it also came with its challenges, particularly fielding constituent questions without a clear answer. However, despite the challenges, Lyons found the most rewarding parts of the internship were the opportunities and experiences, such as sitting in on House Oversight Committee meetings, visiting various committee offices, and meeting a wide range of lawmakers, along with living in Washington D.C.
The fellowship community also left a lasting impression on him, which included an impromptu snowball fight between Archer Fellows and the D.C. Fire Department.
Following graduation in August with a Bachelor of Science in political science and a minor in math, Lyons will begin an online Master of Arts in national intelligence and security studies at SFA.
“Being an Archer Fellow and experiencing life and work in D.C. has made me realize that there is more to life than I imagined,” Lyons said. “It has broadened my horizons and made me feel like I can accomplish much more than I once thought. It has given me the confidence to pursue my dreams.
“One speaker told the fellows that ‘looking back, my career has been very linear, but it didn't feel like that in the moment. You can't always see where your career will take you. Don't focus on a linear career, focus on taking opportunities in front of you.’"
Lyons is a proponent for fellow Lumberjacks to take a leap and apply to the Archer Fellowship Program.
“I researched the program before entering, so I thought I knew what it would be like, but I was not ready for the transformational semester awaiting me,” he continued. “The Archer Center has provided me with the greatest semester of my undergraduate experience.”
A new cohort
Building on a record-breaking showing in the spring 2025 Archer Fellowship, SFA is set to make waves again — sending four new standout students to represent the university in the 2025-26 academic year. Miguel Koch, a political science major from Allen, and Jerrad Bush, a political science major from Timpson, were selected to attend in fall 2025. In addition, Uchenna Njoku, a nursing major from Kubwa-Abuja, Nigeria, and Barrett Williams, an economics major from Wake Forest, North Carolina, were selected for the spring 2026 semester.
“The growth in interest on campus for the Archer Fellowship Program is remarkable, Galatas said. “To have students from three of our colleges within the university is testimony of the value and importance that faculty and students see in the Archer Fellowship program. The increasing number of Archer Fellows is testimony to the quality of applicants from SFA.”
For Whitney Rains, Archer Center program manager and SFA alumna, seeing fellow Lumberjacks fills her with an immense sense of pride.
“I was born and raised in rural East Texas, and SFA provided me not only with a great education, but also with opportunities that changed the course of my life,” Rains said. “Each semester, I have the opportunity to witness firsthand how the fellowship helps our students grow, change and make a positive impact on the world. I know the Archer Fellowship will provide Lumberjacks with the same opportunities and impact that will change their life as well. Lumberjacks, at their core, are hardworking, thoughtful and empathetic leaders. They are curious about the world, innovative and always determined to do more. I know that they will be valuable members of the Archer Fellowship Program.”
For more information, visit archercenter.org.