Campus News
UWF Student Trista Bennett Lands Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship
Kugelman Honors student and former SGA president will spend her senior year in Tallahassee working directly with state agencies and leaders.
Trista Bennett, a double major in biology and health sciences at the University of West Florida, has been awarded a Florida Gubernatorial Fellowship for the 2026-27 academic year—one of only seven to 12 students selected statewide out of applications from across Florida.
- Bennett, a Kugelman Honors student and former Student Government Association president, will spend her senior year in Tallahassee immersed in an environment built around public policy, leadership, and advocacy. Her responsibilities will include weekly meetings with Florida government leaders, policy writing and research, and nonprofit work.
The program includes fully funded travel. Throughout the year, Bennett’s cohort will take three fully funded trips — to St. Augustine, the Kennedy Space Center and Washington, D.C.
“This fellowship is an opportunity for me to pursue my passion of advocacy and leadership. It means a chance to chase my dreams and provide me with invaluable experiences. I could not be more grateful to UWF for supporting me through my application and interview process for this program.”
Law school is next. After graduation, Bennett plans to attend law school, and she says the hands-on state government experience from the fellowship will set her apart when she applies.
- “This fellowship will allow me to have the necessary experience to pursue my future career goals,” Bennett said. “By being a part of this incredible program, I will have received hands-on state government training that is invaluable when applying to law school.”
UWF’s support behind the scenes. Bennett’s application was guided by UWF’s John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships, which mentors students pursuing prestigious national and international awards.
- Office coordinator: Claire Holderman
- Program supports students applying for national and international fellowships
- Provides guidance, mentorship and resources through the application and interview process
“The Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program is one of the many fantastic opportunities that are supported through the John W. Merting Family Office of National Fellowships,” Holderman said. “Prestigious awards like these set students apart from their peers as well as provide financial support.”
Want to apply? A representative of the Florida Gubernatorial Fellows Program will visit UWF’s John C. Pace Library Multipurpose Space on Tuesday, Sept. 22, at noon, to discuss the program and take questions about the application process. Learn more at uwf.edu/onf.