Rep. Bryan Stevenson (R-Joplin) was shocked to not have an intern from Southern for this year’s session.

After helping the school not only fund it’s program, but also participating in the program by hosting an intern last year. Stevenson thought for sure he would receive another intern from the University in his district.

Stevenson said when he was first elected five years ago and found out that Southern did not have any interns at the Capitol he immediately started fighting for the program. He sponsored the bills that gave the interns college credits and housing stipends.

Among other bills having to do with Southern, Stevenson was the representative who carried the bill in the House that changed the school’s name to University.

He has been a strong supporter of the school for the last four years. Not only has his wife graduated from the University, but at one point Stevenson was an adjunct professor here. But he isn’t disappointed in the fact that Southern didn’t send him an intern as he is at the fact that students are missing out on the opportunity to learn what goes on in Jefferson City.

“You don’t have to be a political science major to do this,” said Tracy Joyce, Stevenson’s legal assistant. “Whether in our office or someone else’s, we’ll find a spot for them no matter what their major is.”

Currently Stevenson’s intern, Justin Zhang, Truman State University, has a major in international law. Stevenson said he also had an intern from the University of Missouri-Columbia a few years ago that had a major in business administration who loved going to budget meetings.

So there are several opportunities that don’t just have to do with political science.

Joyce said not only are there several opportunities in business and agriculture but lobbyist at the Capitol building have interns and the House photographer looks for an intern every session.

“The students that have come up here have had valuable opportunities,” Stevenson said.

He said Adam Crumbliss started out as an intern at the Capitol building and is now currently the chief clerk of the House.

Stevenson himself did an internship in the U.S. Senate under Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, and still has pictures of it in his office in Jefferson City.

Stevenson said Zhang has been pictured with every statewide office holder, including the governor and has also had dinner with several of the Supreme Court justices.

“Both Bryan and I are very passionate about this program,” Joyce said.

She also said if anyone is interested in interning at the Capitol next fall they could call Stevenson’s office.