Siri Reynolds (Political Science – Pre-Law)

Siri Reynolds (Political Science – Pre-Law) is a junior from Nolensville, Tennessee majoring in Political Science with a Pre-Law concentration. She is graduating a year early, so this is her second year at MTSU. She recently completed her third semester and earned a Dean’s List Award as an Honors student. She is the recipient of MTSU’s Centennial Scholarship and PGA’s Joann Arnold Memorial Scholarship.

Siri is active in campus leadership as a reporter for MTSU’s student newspaper, Sidelines. Recently, Siri covered MTSU Student Government Association meetings for the 2024 election season. Through Sidelines, Siri has gained valuable experience in reporting and learning about politics, statutes, and Constitutional issues involved with journalism.

You can read Siri’s Sidelines articles by clicking here.

This summer, Siri is looking forward to continuing her studies in Spanish and Russian, working part-time, and taking the LSAT before applying to law schools. After law school, Siri wants to work in bankruptcy to help people improve their financial situations.

Siri was featured in a Business Insider article about how she and her mother both attend MTSU at the time time! You can read more “I went back to college at 42 to finish my degree. My daughter is my classmate, and it’s only brought us closer.”

Kaylee Nguyen (International Relations)

Kaylee Nguyen (International Relations) is in the process of completing her third year at MTSU. Kaylee studies International Relations and has a minor in Pre-Law. She is a hardworking student who is highly active in our department by serving and participating in student organizations such as Model United Nations and Legal Studies Society. Currently, she serves as the Public Relations Officer for LSS and is working to promote helpful resources & meaningful connections for future law students.

In Spring 2025, Kaylee was awarded a position with the Washington Center via our TWC Program which funds an internship placement in Washington, DC for a semester. She is working at Grossman Young & Hammond LLC, an immigration law firm. Her work includes assisting attorneys and paralegals on cases involving visa applications, asylum applications, and research on humanitarian issues. Via her internship, Kaylee is gaining valuable knowledge and insights into the world of immigration.

After graduation, Kaylee is looking forward to studying for the LSAT and attending law school to pursue a career in immigration law. Her academic track record reflects her dedication, as Kaylee has recently earned her fifth Dean’s List Award!

Jorge Avila (Political Science – Pre-Law)

Jorge Avila (Political Science & Pre-Law) was recently awarded a position in March 2025 at the Cumberland Connection Law School Immersion Program at Samford University. This fully-funded program helps prepare first generation college students for law school. Jorge will spend a week in Alabama this summer 2025 learning about law school applications, classes and law school format, and so much more. Congratulations, Jorge!

Hector Graves Hernandez (Political Science – Pre-Law)

Hector Graves Hernandez (Political Science) is a Political Science (Pre-Law) student who is highly active in the community and on campus. After earning an Associate’s Degree in Political Science & Government from Volunteer State Community College, Hector is currently pursuing a BA in Political Science at MTSU. He is active in MTSU’s Student Government Association, having served as a Senator, Academic Affairs Committee Member, and a Marketing Committee Member.

Outside of MTSU, Hector serves his community as a Member of the Board of Zoning Appeals (BZA) for the City of Portland, Tennessee. This upcoming Summer 2025, Hector will intern with Mayor Mike Callis in his hometown of Portland, TN. Recently, Hector raised funds for The Jed Foundation (JED) to help promote the issue of students’ mental health.

Hector will serve as a Student Ambassador for MTSU in 2025 – 2026 cycle. MTSU Student Ambassadors are university leaders who welcome guests and support presidential, alumni, donor, academic and athletic events across campus. Student Ambassadors serve as official hosts at events of importance to the University community.

Victoria Grigsby (Political Science)

Victoria Grigsby (Political Science) recently presented her Delta Scholars project over “College Prep Literacy: In Lincoln County, Tennessee” at the 2025 Tennessee Collegiate Honors Council Conference. She is working to inform fellow TN honors students about fellowship opportunities, such as the US-UK Fulbright Summer Institutes, on the fellowship panel.

She says, “I love increasing access to opportunities through both my research and events, while meeting talented and intelligent students from around the state.”

Hannah Ferreira (Political Science & Psychology)

Hannah Ferreira (Political Science & Psychology) is a sophomore double majoring in Political Science & Psychology with minors in University Honors and Pre-Law. Hannah is a Buchanan Scholar, receiving the highest academic award from MTSU via the University Honors College.

She is highly active across campus and in the community with leadership and volunteer work. For example, Hannah is a reporter for Sidelines (MTSU student newspaper), a Blue Elite Tour Guide welcoming potential new MTSU students to campus, a Peer Career Ambassador supporting the Career Development Center, a member of the Honors Council and the Committee on Admissions and Standards, and a member of the Student Government Association.

In her time at MTSU, she’s made a major impact with her service and commitment to academic and professional success. She’s participated in the Tennessee Intercollegiate State Legislature and the American Democracy Project, as well as presenting at the CLDE Conference.

Recently, Hannah was awarded a prestigious award to help fund her study abroad experiences: U.S. Department of State’s John S. McCain International Scholarship for Military Families.She is the second student at MTSU to receive this award. She will use this scholarship to study abroad to Austria.

Read more about her journey: https://mtsunews.com/ferreira-2nd-gilman-mccain-scholarship/

As she prepares for her journey to Austria, Ferreira is excited to build diplomacy and leadership skills that will serve her in future career aspirations, including a potential role as a foreign service officer.

Jameson Spray (Political Science – Pre-Law)

Jameson Spray (Political Science – Pre-Law) is doing great work both in his academics and on campus. He is a junior from Nashville, TN. He’s minoring in Environmental Science and Communication. He received a Dean’s List award for his academic track record.

Jameson is very active in student leadership, specifically through MTSU’s Student Government Association. In 2024-2025, he served as Attorney General. Through this position, he was afforded the opportunity to attend conferences and retreats on how to improve the SGA and be a better leader for all students on campus.

He also served as an advisor to the Executive and Legislative Branches of the SGA by providing guidance on the interpretation and application of SGA Constitution & By-Laws. He chaired the Court of Traffic Appeals and oversaw member selection.

Attorney General 
sgaagen@mtsu.edu | 615.898.5634

Office Hours

Monday/Wednesday: 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday: 2:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Friday: by appointment only

He is dedicated to becoming an attorney.

Victoria Grigsby (Political Science & German)

Victoria Grigsby (Political Science, German, Economics) is an outstanding PGA student and Buchanan Fellow in the University Honors College.

Victoria has been awarded several national fellowships and awards including the US-UK Fulbright Summer Institute Award at Aberystwyth University, a Gilman scholarship for study abroad in Germany, and a place in the 2024 Delta Scholars Cohort at Mississippi State University followed by a community project proposal at Harvard and Brandeis Universities in November 2024.

Victoria recently completed an internship in Washington, DC via the Washington Center Program working for the International Rescue Committee as a Refugee Resettlement Intern.

In addition to her service on campus & her track record of national awards, Victoria Grigsby also engages with academic research. She presented two research projects: one on women’s suffrage in Tennessee and one on Rutherford County (TN)’s legislators’ voting records at AASCU’s Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement conference.

She is also on the MTSU Student Scholars Week Committee. Scholar’s Week promotes MTSU student research every Spring. She was also recently awarded a place at PPIA at Princeton University for Summer 2025!

Victoria will soon begin writing her University Honors Thesis with Dr. Jon DiCicco. After graduation, she hopes to pursue postgraduate education in Foreign Policy in Washington D.C. and aspires to be a Foreign Service Officer.

Melody Moreno (Public Policy & Management)

Melody Moreno (Public Policy & Management) was awarded a highly prestigious position with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute this Spring 2025 semester. As part of the program, Melody is also interning at the US Senate in Washington, DC with Senator Catherine Cortez-Masto (NV).

What is the Global Leaders Program with the Congressional Hispanic Leadership Institute? – It is a prestigious, highly competitive semester-long internship program featuring placement in Congressional and corporate legislative affairs office. Students will gain educational and hands-on experience with project-based public policy programs. The program takes place in the spring and in the fall semester of each year.

Melody is a Public Policy & Management major who is highly active in student leadership and extracurriculars. She is a member of FUTURO at MTSU, the Student Government Association Judicial Board, Gamma Iota Sigma, and a routine volunteer in the community. Her achievements also include her academic work; she has been awarded Dean’s List and EXL scholar distinctions.

You can also check out Melody’s interview with Nashville Noticias, a Spanish language news network in Nashville, TN.

Jonathan Escobar (Political Science)

Jonathan Escobar (Political Science) is an outstanding 4.0 GPA student who will soon begin an internship with the US Department of State – Bureau of Legislative Affairs in Washington, DC!

His internship with the State Department will allow him to gain experience working with the Bureau of Legislative Affairs. They coordinate all legislative activity for the State Department, serve as the main interlocutor to Congress, and advise the Secretary, Deputies, and the Under Secretaries & Assistant Secretaries on legislative strategy.

Jonathan is excited to begin his internship in Washington, DC. This amazing opportunity is the result of his diligent studies and hard work as an intern with Metro Nashville, the City of Murfreesboro & the Murfreesboro City Council, and as Political Director for a local campaign.

Jonathan was recognized early as a great student, having been awarded the Charles R. Ray Scholarship for Pre-Law majors.

Jorge Avila (Political Science – Pre-Law)

Political Science (Pre-Law) & University Honors Student Jorge Avila recently finished his semester in Washington, DC working full-time at the Democratic National Committee (DNC) and the CHC BOLD PAC.

Jorge interned in Washington, DC full time via our Washington Center Program in Fall 2024. He was interviewed by The Washington Center about his valuable experiences: On the Frontlines of Democracy: Jorge Avila’s Internship During a Historic Election Season. Click here to read more.

Below is an excerpt:

What were things that you were concerned about when applying for the program, and what did you do to overcome those concerns? This could include finances, living in a new city, uncertainty about your internship, etc.

Living in a moderately sized city in Tennessee, I was anxious about living in a big city such as Washington D.C. Everyday necessities such as the metro were fairly new to me, yet with some preparation, I was fortunate to get the hang of the city life fairly quickly. The hustle-and-bustle of the city was intimidating at first, but once I got in the routine of navigating the city, I felt comfortable enough to feel like a D.C. native.

What’s the number one piece of advice you would give to a student considering joining the TWC program? 

Do it! Opportunities like these are not common for many students; I consider myself privileged to have been accepted by Middle Tennessee State University for this program. Living in a new environment and meeting new people can be scary at first, but I assure you, this opportunity is too enriching to pass up. I encourage you to ask yourself what my mother asked me when I almost denied applying for TWC: “If not now, when?” 

How did the support of the Tennessee State Scholarship help you in your TWC experience? 

The Tennessee State Scholarship has allowed me take advantage of my time in D.C., from touring law schools like Georgetown Law, visiting historical venues such as the Arlington National Cemetery or the White House and joining think-tank lectures. Thanks to the Tennessee State Scholarship, I was able to make the most of my time in D.C. and solidify my career goals.