Political science grad recognized for outstanding research, leadership experience at K-State

Andrew Navarro, right, earned a prestigious Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship for exceptional academics, leadership, research and service at K-State.

Andrew Navarro is passionate about changing the world through the legal system.

A recent political science graduate from Kansas State University, Navarro completed two major research projects exploring county government structure and U.S. refugee policy during his time as a Wildcat.

For his project "A County Clerk's Story: In Pursuit of Local Elected Office," he interviewed Kansas elected clerks and coded responses into themes to group and identify patterns, allowing him to draw evidence-based conclusions about the challenges and responsibilities associated with the county clerk role.

He also examined major U.S. policy developments, conflict-driven needs, and integration strategies employed by governmental and nonprofit organizations for his project "Reforming U.S. Refugee Policy: Comparative Findings from Turkey and Brazil's Recent Approaches to Displaced Populations." His study offered policy recommendations to strengthen the U.S. role in global refugee protection and integration.

Now, he's taking his K-State experience and heading to the University of Miami School of Law to continue making a difference in the world. Thanks to his exceptional career as a Wildcat, he has extra support and recognition going into law school as one of only 48 recipients nationwide to receive the prestigious $8,500 Phi Kappa Phi Graduate Fellowship.

The award, presented by The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi — the nation's oldest and most selective collegiate honor society for all academic disciplines — is based on academic achievement, excellence in service, and extensive research and leadership experiences to support post-undergraduate education.

"Andrew's academic achievements at K-State exemplify Phi Kappa Phi's motto, 'Let the love of learning rule humanity,' and our chapter is thrilled to see him earn this well-deserved award that will help his law school studies," said Beth Powers, director of Scholar Development and Undergraduate Research at K-State.

Navarro held leadership roles in many organizations during his time on campus, including Student Governing Association, Model United Nations, Mortar Board and Snyder Fellows. He was also a member of Students for Environmental Action.

In addition to his vast involvement on campus, Navarro was a Kansas Representative in the Henry Clay Center College Student Congress and a Kansas Delegate in the Western Governors' Leadership Institute. He also completed more than 200 volunteer hours during his four years as a K-State student.

A highly decorated student, Navarro was recognized with awards including the Dean of Students Outstanding Senior Award, the Elsa Favila Travel Award, the Addair Law Public Spirit Scholarship, the Blue Key Rich Mistler Personal and Professional Development Award, the American Model United Nations Exceptional Representation Award, and many others during his time as a K-State student.

Navarro said he's grateful for the opportunities and experiences he had as a K-State student.

"K-State is where I learned how to lead with both purpose and humility. Whether I was coordinating fundraising efforts, helping revise the student code of conduct or pushing sustainability initiatives, K-State gave me the space to turn conviction into experience and that experience into action."