Semester in Washington ‘Beneficial’ to Lander Student Crankfield
Story by Jeff Lagrone
Lander University junior Elemia “Mia” Crankfield, a political science major with an emphasis in public administration, is participating in the South Carolina Washington Semester Program, offered through the University of South Carolina Honors College.
The program gives students across the state the opportunity to spend a semester working and taking classes in the nation’s capitol, gaining valuable experience while earning academic credit toward their degrees.
Crankfield, of Green Sea, is a federal government relations intern at the National Federation of Independent Business, the largest small business association in the country. As such, she does legislative research, compiles data, listens to congressional hearings, and supports the NFIB in various other ways.
She said that “the internship has been so beneficial. The team at NFIB is very supportive and is constantly challenging me to grow professionally and academically, too!”
Crankfield’s academic achievements, along with her extracurricular activities, have already resulted in her being awarded two departmental scholarships, and she was on Lander’s President’s List in the fall of 2021. An Honors College student, she has also served as a resident assistant, a Student Government Association senator, and a peer leader for Lander’s LINK 101 course.
She chose Lander, she said, because she wanted to attend a small liberal arts college, and it “fit the mold of the things I wanted. It also had a very welcoming energy on campus. I have been able to participate in a variety of roles on campus and have met so many amazing people these past few years,” she said.
After graduating from Lander, Crankfield would like to pursue a juris doctor degree, then begin a career in the legal profession. According to her academic advisor, Assistant Professor of Political Science and Homeland Security Dr. Matthew Malone, there is every reason to believe that she will be a success.
“Mia is dedicated, hardworking, and one of the more exceptional students I have taught,” he said.
“Mia is a star student,” concurred Professor of Political Science Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of the College of Behavioral and Social Sciences. “The faculty and I are very proud of Mia and excited that she will benefit from a semester living and studying about politics and government in Washington, D.C. We know that Mia will benefit from her experience.”
