News Release
For Additional Information, Contact Jim Nelson/Media Relations
(304) 327-4103, jnelson@bluefieldstate.edu
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| Bluefield State College student Sulayman Njie (left) is pictured with West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin, III, at the State Capitol. Njie recently completed a three-week internship in the Governor’s office. |
(Bluefield)—Sulayman Njie is maximizing his time as a student at Bluefield State College. After serving as an intern with U.S. Senator Jay Rockefeller last year, the industrious 23-year old from The Gambia recently completed a three-week internship, working in the office of West Virginia Governor Joe Manchin.
The internship opportunity in the Governor’s office arose after Njie talked to Dr. Sudhakar Jamkhandi, Director/Office of International Initiatives at BSC. “His uncle is a former Secretary of State and ambassador from The Gambia and many members of his family are public officials there,” Dr. Jamkhandi explained. “When we talked, Sulayman expressed an interest in learning more about the working of American state government, especially the executive branch.”
Dr. Jamkhandi contacted officials in the Governor’s office, who proposed the idea to Cindy Smith, the Governor’s administrative manager. “She was receptive to the idea, and Sulayman began his internship on June 1,” the International Initiatives Director continued. “Recently, I visited the Capitol and found Sulayman working in the Governor’s mansion. He moved from location to location within the Governor’s office.”
Additionally, Dr. Jamkhandi believes Njie’s performance is opening the door for other internships. “I talked to Cindy and she is seriously considering internship for other international students from Bluefield State,” he stated. “Initial discussions with the offices of the Secretary of State, Senate Clerk, and Senate President also indicate their receptivity to the idea of establishing internships for our students.”
Njie’s academic plans include additional study in the United States. “After I receive my bachelor’s degree from Bluefield State College, I want to pursue a master’s degree and work in the U.S. for a period of time,” he commented. Then I will return to Africa. My experience at BSC and in the community has been very fulfilling and I will always be grateful for the opportunity.”
June 22, 2009
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