The Governor addresses the Governor’s Office interns for the first time as a group before posing for a photo with them on the House steps of the Capitol and inviting them into the Governor’s Conference Room to answer questions. (That’s Maddie on the front row, second from right.)
In summer 2021, journalism/political science major Maddie Johnson completed an internship in the communications department of the Office of Governor Asa Hutchinson. In her eight weeks as an intern, she gained insight into the fast-paced, far-reaching work of a press shop and grew in her knowledge of and appreciation for the dialogue between a public servant and the people of Arkansas
In March of 2020, I was glued to the television as I watched Governor Hutchinson deliver daily news conferences on COVID-related updates and school closings. Fast forward almost a year and a half, and I had the privilege of serving as an intern in the department of his office that puts on those press conferences, giving me firsthand insight into the behind-the-scenes aspects of how the Governor communicates crucial information to a state of over 3 million people.
After seeing the importance of these daily press conferences play out throughout the pandemic early last year, I was eager to learn more about the workings of the Governor’s communications department. After searching online for a Governor’s intern program, I found the application and began the process. In my search for the program, I saw that familiar U of A students whom I had interacted with through Associated Student Government had participated, which served as comfort and encouragement while applying. Additionally, Dr. Louise Hancox in the Honors College Hub was a tremendous help in revising my resume for the application.
Weeks after applying, I was thrilled to learn I had been accepted and placed in the communications department. Also known as the press shop, this department deals with all aspects of promoting and clarifying the Governor’s messages. This includes social media postings, radio addresses, press conferences, and media appearances.
In my first week, an early assignment was to learn about the methods for analyzing the day’s COVID data regarding cases, hospitalizations, and vaccines and draft a Twitter post contextualizing it. After several tries that week and guidance from a department writer, I was surprised to learn my draft tweet had been sent to the Governor and approved.
In the following weeks, I, along with Scout, my fellow intern in the department, helped draft a radio address script about the update of our state’s contributions to Statuary Hall in our nation’s capital. Scout and I detailed the lives of the two extraordinary Arkansans who will now be represented with statues in D.C.: music legend Johnny Cash and civil rights icon Daisy Bates. Hearing even a few phrases I had helped write in the Governor’s recorded radio address that week was a true highlight.
Weeks later, Scout and I, along with the rest of our intern group, toured Little Rock Central High School and learned a more extensive history of Daisy Bates and her dedication to desegregation. The experience solidified even further the importance of our state ensuring she is honored in D.C.
It was also a privilege to see the culmination of work in the communications department that led to the Governor’s Community COVID Conversations, town hall meetings where he, alongside trusted medical professionals, carried out dialogue with concerned community members regarding vaccine efficacy. To combat vaccine hesitancy and misinformation, the Governor carried out these conversations in an open forum, where community members could be heard and their concerns could be addressed. I admire the Governor’s steadfast willingness to speak directly with all Arkansans and lead by reaching out to all parts of the state.
The first in this series of conversations was in my hometown of Cabot. A memorable moment of my intern experience was the following day when the Governor and First Lady hosted interns at the Governor’s Mansion for lunch. As we were sitting down to eat, the Governor asked for my opinion on the previous day’s community conversation after learning I attended.
Maddie Johnson takes part in the recording of a video with the Governor’s media technology officer and a fellow intern who worked in the Governor’s scheduling department. The interns discuss their favorite internship moments for a video that will be made accessible to those interested in applying.
As much as I have gained from the lessons and memories of the internship, I am grateful for the staff and fellow interns I came to know. Every staff member welcomed interns and included us in meetings whenever possible. Every Tuesday and Thursday, an intern was chosen to address the staff during full staff meetings, and it was especially meaningful that the Governor’s staff leadership allowed interns the platform not only to observe but to also participate by sharing our projects and thoughts in the biweekly meetings.
In building bonds with fellow interns as our internships progressed, my experience exemplified the value in taking lessons from those around you. While I focused on completing work for communications, engaging with interns of other departments inspired me to action. Whether it was an intern’s dedication to working on constituent cases, or another intern’s unwavering diligence in completing a child welfare state survey, or another’s expertise in legal matters after time in law school, I gained just as much insight from my fellow interns as I did my own department’s work. Meeting daily with fellow interns also allowed us to form cherished friendships that will serve us not only professionally but personally.
Thinking back to my daily routine throughout my internship, it was surreal to have the privilege of arriving at the Capitol each day and badging into Suite 238 – the press shop – to begin the day’s work. The staff members who make up 238 enhanced the internship beyond measure. In addition to our intern director, these staff members never hesitated to provide us projects, guidance, or explanation of the workings of the office, and I am deeply grateful.
My time interning in the Governor’s Office lasted eight weeks, but the experience and relationships gained will last far beyond mere months. I look forward to continuing my journalism/political science degree in hopes of working in public service, and I look forward to maintaining the relationships formed with the incredible individuals I have come to know this summer.