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Through studying legislation that affected Native Americans and the mentally ill, Andrea Kotrosits ’03 (Coplay, Pa.) gained insight into developing and instituting effective public policy. She now has her sights set on a career in the field and will attend George Washington University in the fall to pursue her dream.
After taking a class in public administration, Kotrosits, a history and government major, realized the importance of public policy and the details of its wording.
“If a policy is not made correctly or is difficult to follow, it can be disastrous,” she says. “Problems with policies need to be identified and fixed. This area of study is the best way for me to help fix widespread problems and help create a better life for all people.”
Kotrosits explored policies that affected Native Americans before 1860 under the guidance of Deborah Rosen, associate professor of history. She conducted this research through Lafayette’s distinctive EXCEL Scholars program, in which students work closely with faculty on research while earning a stipend. More than 160 students participate each year, many publishing papers in scholarly journals and/or presenting their research at conferences.
Her findings will be included in Rosen’s upcoming book.
“I was really impressed with the research opportunities available at Lafayette,” says Kotrosits, founder of Lafayette’s College Democrats. “I was excited to work closely with a professor and conduct in-depth research. Students at larger colleges do not have this opportunity.”
Kotrosits also examined the 1963 Community Mental Health Centers Act as part of an intensive research project this year. She looked at events leading to the act, examined its effectiveness, and studied the evolution of legislation that followed. She collaborated with John Kincaid, Meyner Professor of Government and Law and director of Lafayette’s Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government.
“I’ve had some amazing professors at Lafayette and was able to form personal relationships with them,” says Kotrosits. “I also worked with many members of the administration who were very supportive. I always told prospective students who came to the Admissions Office that I came to Lafayette for academics, but stayed because of the people.”
“Lafayette prepared me well for graduate school,” she adds. “I believe the intensity of the workload was rigorous. I know I’ll be able to handle the work and thank Lafayette for that.”
Kotrosits belongs to Phi Alpha Theta, the international honor society for history, and Phi Sigma Alpha, the national honor society for political science. She also volunteers through the Landis Community Outreach Center. She has served as treasurer, vice president of administration, and risk manager for Tri-Delt sorority.