Three MSU PLS grads named 2026 Michigan Political Leadership Program Fellows
January 5, 2026 - Karessa Weir
MSU Political Science alumni Jolie Lawrence, Josh Darnell, and Ava Vitale are among the incoming cohort of 24 rising leaders for the Michigan Political Leadership Program.
This bipartisan program, operated by MSU’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research, will begin in February. MPLP is intended to develop future political leaders in Michigan. More than half of the program's graduates have gone on to be elected or appointed to positions in government. The program has been praised due to its bipartisan nature and was one of the first of its kind to train members of both political parties.
"IPPSR is proud to sponsor MPLP, which we believe helps to deepen Michigan's political bench by educating its future political leaders," said MSU PLS Associate Professor Corwin Smidt, Interim Director of IPPSR. "On behalf of MSU, I am happy to welcome our 2026 fellows."
Flint resident Josh Darnell is currently the Deputy Director of Constituent Relations for Speaker of the House Matt Hall. He earned his degree in Political Science, with a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. Before starting with the Michigan House of Representatives, Josh had previously worked on Congressman John James' successful 2022 campaign and with a Lansing-based political consulting firm. He is committed to crafting effective policy aimed at improving the state's infrastructure, bolstering public safety, and encouraging businesses to invest in Michigan.
He had heard of the program from co-workers and alumni of the program and hopes it will help him learn to become an effective lawmaker someday.
“I heard nothing but positive things about the program. I do hope to run for political office myself so I feel this will be a fantastic program for getting a good footing in policy and governance,” Darnell said. “At the end of it, I hope that I’ve grown as a person, expanding my horizons and gaining new perspectives. These are things that will prepare me to be an efficient public official.”
Jolie Lawrence of Howell is currently the legislative coordinator in the office of Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. She graduated from MSU in 2023 with a bachelor's degree in Political Science Pre-Law and a minor in Law, Justice, and Public Policy. During her time at MSU, she was a part of the Michigan Government Semester Program, where she began interning with State Sen. Sylvia Santana. Since then, she has also worked for Senators Sam Singh, Erika Geiss, and Sue Shink. Jolie is interested in mental health and education policy.
Ava Vitale of Port Huron currently serves as the legislative aide to State Rep. Curt VanderWall. Her experience spans both politics and media, including working as an on-air personality at 96.9 WBTI. She is also deeply involved with the City Rescue Mission of Lansing, where she supports homeless women and children. This work has given her a profound understanding of the challenges faced by at-risk communities, insight she hopes to carry forward as she pursues a law degree with the goal of becoming a state prosecutor.
“I am delighted to congratulate this outstanding cohort of students and to celebrate the Michigan Political Leadership Program, which for decades has exemplified MSU’s commitment to public service through rigorous, bipartisan training,” said PLS Department Chair Jeff Conroy-Krutz. “MPLP’s remarkable record of preparing diverse leaders to serve their communities and govern effectively speaks to the enduring value and impact of this program in Michigan and beyond.”
Applicants to MPLP were reviewed by the program's co-directors, former Republican State Sen.Tonya Schuitmaker and former Democratic State Rep. Rudy Hobbs.