Taylor Blount ‘26 has always loved to talk. Even from an early age, she said, people would comment on her gregarious nature. But it wasn’t until she arrived at Longwood that she figured out a career path that would make the best use of her natural ability to communicate and her interest in politics.
“I knew that I wanted to make a difference in the world around us,” she said. “Then I fell in love with communication studies when I came to Longwood. I wanted to combine those ideas together and that led me to wanting to work in political communications.”
Now, Blount is getting an incredible hands-on opportunity to get a window into her future career and learn about state government while working in Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s office through the prestigious Governor’s Fellows Program. She is spending the summer in the governor’s communications office as a member of the communications department team, where her duties include gathering press clips, writing press releases, editing photos and preparing for events with the governor.
I want to work in politics and my dream is to be a press secretary. I knew that this would be a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs of what it looks like to be in the pressroom.
Taylor Blount ‘26 Tweet This
“I want to work in politics and my dream is to be a press secretary,” she said. “I knew that this would be a great opportunity to learn the ins and outs of what it looks like to be in the pressroom.”
A native of Louisa, Virginia, Blount is a member of the Cormier Honors College for Citizen Scholars majoring in Communication Studies with a concentration in digital media. She also has a minor in business administration.
Blount is one of 29 exceptional rising seniors and recent graduates from colleges and universities across Virginia who were selected to participate in this year’s Governor’s Fellows Program, which runs through July. Established in 1982 by then-Gov. Charles S. Robb, the program offers hands-on experience in the governor’s administration, leadership development and insights into executive decision-making, along with guest speakers and statewide field trips.
The Governor’s Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for Virginia students to experience public service first-hand and gain essential work skills for their future.
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“We are excited to welcome the next generation of leaders to kick off their careers with our administration,” said Governor Glenn Youngkin. “The Governor’s Fellows Program is a unique opportunity for Virginia students to experience public service first-hand and gain essential work skills for their future.”
At Longwood, Blount works as an intern in the Marketing, Communications and Engagement Office. She is also a member of Longwood’s dance team, where she serves as the public relations executive chair, and is the service and giving director for her sorority, Alpha Sigma Alpha. Through her involvement in Greek life, she has also joined the Order of Omega and Greeks for Change.
Among the things she is most looking forward to is connecting with students from other universities, as well as accomplished staff members in the Youngkin administration. She is the youngest fellow in this year’s program, which is open to rising college seniors, graduating seniors and graduate students from across Virginia or who are Virginia residents attending college out-of-state.
“I am getting to learn the ins and outs of the executive branch and how I can cultivate the future I have always dreamed of,” Blount said. “This fellowship is providing me with exceptional critical thinking skills and developing my communication abilities with the highest level of professionalism. I’m excited to prove myself and to get started at a young age so I can have the time to grow and see what I can do in the coming years.
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