Jacksonville University’s Public Policy Institute announced that its Master in Public Policy (MPP) Minority Fellowship Program, a national model, will be named in honor of Dr. Nathaniel “Nat” Glover, the former Jacksonville Sheriff and widely respected Florida public servant.
The Fellowship Program will be known as the “MPP Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Program” and Fellows will be known as “MPP Glover Fellows.” Dr. Glover, the first and only black Sheriff elected in Florida in the 20th century, has served as a role model throughout the Duval County community and beyond. He retired from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office in 2003, after two terms as Sheriff and 37 years of distinguished years of law enforcement service. He went on to serve for seven years as the 29th president of his alma mater, Edwards Waters University, Florida’s first historically Black college.
Dr. Glover received a “Great Floridian” designation in 2016 for his dedication to law enforcement, higher education, and the city of Jacksonville. He was inducted into the Florida Law Enforcement Officer’s Hall of Fame in 2021. In 2023, he was selected as co-chair of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan’s Transition Team.
“Nat Glover is one of the greatest public servants in our city’s 200 year history. He serves on our MPP Minority Fellowship Board of Advisors and we’re proud to name the Fellowship Program after him,” said Rick Mullaney, Shircliff Executive Director of the Public Policy Institute. “As we develop the leaders of the future, there’s no better role model than Nat Glover for them to look up to.”
The MPP Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Program seeks to educate, train, and prepare a new generation of leadership for the region. Students selected for the program will receive a full scholarship for Jacksonville University MPP Degree Program, an internship placement with the City of Jacksonville, a stipend, and the opportunity for mentorship and professional development.
"I am truly humbled and honored to have this fellowship program named after me. It is a testament to the importance of education and public service, values that have guided my career and life,” said Dr. Glover. “To have my name associated with such a prestigious program is truly meaningful to me. I am grateful for the opportunity to help shape the next generation of public policy leaders and I am thankful to Jacksonville University for this recognition and proud to be associated with such a respected institution.”
The MPP Nathaniel Glover Fellowship Program is a highly competitive program, with two fellows selected from each MPP cohort, along with partial scholarships for qualified applicants. The 2023 fellows are Jamaal Julius Jackson and Bailee Porter. Jackson retired from the U.S. Army after 23 years of military service in July 2023. Porter is the first fellow to participate in the Master in Public Policy and Master of Arts in Marine Science dual degree program.
The fellowship program was initially established by the vision and generosity of Chuck and Cami Wodehouse in 2018. Since then, fellows have gone on to serve in public office, lead policy initiatives and area nonprofits, and work on Capitol Hill.
The MPP Glover Fellowship Board of Advisors includes:
● Cynthia B. Chomiak ’83 – Founder and Chief Executive, Educated Decisions LLC; Vice Chairman, Jacksonville University Board of Trustees
● Dr. Barbara Darby – President, Florida State College at Jacksonville North Campus (Retired)
● Nathaniel P. Ford Sr. EMBA ’17 – Chief Executive Officer, Jacksonville Transportation Authority
● Rachel Tutwiler Fortune – President, Jacksonville Public Education Fund
● The Honorable Nathaniel Glover Jr. – President, Edward Waters University (Retired), former Jacksonville Sheriff
● Mark L. Griffin – Pastor and Chief Executive Officer, Wayman Ministries
● The Honorable Brenda Priestly Jackson, Esq. – President, Direct Education Forward, Inc., Jacksonville City Council Member
● Matthew Kane ’01 – Founder, Greenshades Software, Inc.; Chair of Jacksonville University Board of Trustees
● Javon Knight MPP ’20 – Policy Associate, Husch Blackwell Strategies, Washington, D.C. (Registered Federal Lobbyist), MPP Glover Fellow Alumni Representative
● Dr. Charles E. Moreland – Director of Community Affairs, City of Jacksonville
● Charles Wodehouse – President, CSX Technology, Inc. (Retired); Senior Vice President, CSX Transportation (Retired); Member of the Public Policy Institute Board of Advisors; Former Jacksonville University Board of Trustees
Applications for the 2024 MPP Glover Fellowships and Scholarships are now open. Students who would like to apply for this fellowship should complete the MPP application and seek admission to the MPP program. Additionally, MPP Glover Fellow candidates submit a separate essay describing how their background, experience, knowledge, and upbringing enables them to lead and serve the entire community of North Florida, including underserved communities. The candidate should also submit one additional letter of recommendation discussing the individual's potential leadership role in North Florida. If awarded, recipients agree to remain and work in Jacksonville for 3 years following graduation. Those interested are encouraged to visit www.ju.edu/publicpolicy to learn more and apply.
