MACON, Ga. — Mercer University Class of 2026 graduate Alisha Mitchell and rising senior Cameron Nixon were recently selected for this summer’s Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF) Internship.
CBCF interns work in congressional offices and participate in professional development sessions to prepare them to become principled leaders, skilled policy analysts and informed advocates by exposing them to the processes that develop and implement national policies, from Capitol Hill to federal field offices.
Mitchell, from Austell, graduated in May from the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences with degrees in political science and journalism and a minor in media studies, and she was the student commencement speaker in Macon. At Mercer, she was a Tift Scholar, a Jesse Mercer Scholar, a Mercer Honors student and the Student Government Association president. She was the first Black woman to be elected SGA president in at least 20 years. Mitchell will attend the University of Georgia on a full scholarship, where she will pursue a master’s degree in public policy with a focus on policy analysis, community development and media influence.
Mitchell said receiving the internship is a dream come true.
“I have been working toward this opportunity since my freshman year at Mercer, and after first applying four years ago, I continued hoping, praying and working hard for the opportunity to be ‘in the room where it happens’ on Capitol Hill,” said Mitchell. “This experience means so much to me because it allows me to serve not only the Black community but communities across the country through meaningful public service and policy work. I am incredibly grateful, honored and excited to have been selected for this internship, and I cannot wait to learn, lead and serve through this opportunity.”
Dr. Chris Grant, professor of political science and chair of the political science department, described Mitchell as one of the most engaged students he has taught at Mercer.
“The award of the Congressional Black Caucus internship is another in a line of her impressive accomplishments,” said Dr. Grant. “She came to Mercer with natural political skill and a deep interest in public service, and she sought out multiple opportunities to develop her skills and intellectual understanding. She was an outstanding participant in the 2024 Mercer On Mission that I led to Tbilisi, Georgia, where she was instrumental in organizing and leading programs for Ukrainian refugee children, and she is still connected to them two years later. She was also a participant in the applied learning experience that political science, communication studies and media studies collaborate on every four years, which takes students to New Hampshire to observe and participate in the early stages of presidential campaigns. Alisha is one of the best examples of a student who took full advantage of the many opportunities offered by Mercer.”
Nixon, from Tifton, is a political science and sociology double-major.
At Mercer, he is a member of the Mercer University Mock Trial Team, National Honor Society and Political Science Honor Society. He is also a member of the Mock Trial Executive Board and has received an Outstanding Attorney Award. Nixon has received the Outstanding Junior in Political Science Award, Mercer University Merit Scholarship and Mercer University C.A.S.E Scholarship. He has participated in a research project examining the effects of U.S. sanctions on Russia and a project examining the language of laws relating to Taiwan. Additionally, he participated in a study abroad trip to Seoul, South Korea, as part of his Korean studies class. After graduation, he plans to attend law school and become an attorney for the Environmental Protection Agency.
“I am extremely honored to have been accepted for the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation’s Summer Internship program,” said Nixon. “I am tremendously excited for the opportunity to work with and learn from our nation’s lawmakers. I am immensely thankful to all of my family and friends who have supported me throughout my academic journey, and especially Dr. Benjamin Hoyt, who recommended this program to me.”
Dr. Hoyt, assistant professor of political science, described Nixon as a model Mercerian.
“He’s an incredible student,” said Dr. Hoyt. “He conducts himself with thoughtfulness and intellectual poise inside and outside of the classroom. He has a tremendous sense of intellectual curiosity and a desire to go beyond the subjects we discuss in class. He’s also an excellent citizen of Mercer’s intellectual and extracurricular life. When President Dr. Penny L. Elkins says, ‘The world needs more Mercerians,’ Cameron is a perfect illustration of her point. The CBCF and Congress are lucky to have him this summer.”
