W&L Outcomes: Charlie Micek ’25 Micek is returning to Capitol Hill as an AI Policy Fellow through the Horizon Institute for Public Service.

Office of Communications and Public Affairs
July 31, 2025

Charlie Micek ’25

Major: Economics
Minors: Education policy and poverty and human capability studies
Hometown: Toledo, Ohio

What are your post-graduation plans?

I’ve returned to Capitol Hill as an AI Policy Fellow with the House Energy and Commerce Committee through the Horizon Institute for Public Service. I’m the first recipient to be awarded the congressional fellowship directly out of undergraduate studies.

What did you study at W&L, and what are some skills or learnings you will take from your academic experience into the professional world?

My economics coursework provided me with the necessary tools to analyze policy. For example, while I wouldn’t say that I enjoyed learning econometrics, I now feel confident in my ability to assess evidence for proposed interventions. My poverty and human capability courses enabled me to explore policy further (e.g., my capstone project, where I analyzed the implications of advanced AI development in-depth). Education policy courses, in addition to offering direct policy analysis tools, granted me opportunities to teach — conveying core concepts concisely. I’m hopeful that this skill translates well to my future work, as I pitch members on ideas for potential legislation, letters or hearings.

Did you always know what you wanted to do?
No … and I still don’t. I came into W&L thinking I wanted to do commercial real estate development, but courses in the Shepherd Program paused those aspirations. I switched my intended major five times — politics, sociology, business, accounting and, finally, economics. Later, I thought I might go to law school straight out of undergraduate. While law school might still be in the cards, I’m more focused on promoting American AI innovation and ensuring national security; I plan to pursue whichever role best enables this objective. For now, that means working to advance the interests of a congressional office or committee as an AI policy fellow. Just as my path in college wasn’t straightforward, I expect my career will similarly evolve in ways I can’t yet imagine.

Which faculty member had the most impact on you, and what did you learn from them (either inside or outside the classroom)?

Without a doubt: Professor Howard Pickett. During my first semester at W&L, I took POV 101: Intro to Poverty and Human Capability Studies in the Shepherd Program with him. Professor Pickett exposed me to moral philosophy, helping me combine innate compassion — a desire to do good in the world — with evidence-based reasoning. I later launched and taught a 12-week course alongside Professor Pickett, exploring how students can tackle the world’s most pressing problems. Professor Pickett will continue the course without me in Fall Term 2025.

What clubs, organizations, athletic teams or other extracurriculars were you involved in that had an impact on you?

As a Bonner Scholar, I’ve completed over 1,800 hours of community service over four years — including a full summer of service. I plan to continue serving beyond graduation as an Elrod Fellow.

As a VSFS CCC intern with Education USA Belarus, Kazakhstan and Georgia, I conducted over 500 15-minute one-on-one consultations advising students on essays, activities lists and other application materials, resulting in 40-plus students’ admission to top schools. Receiving thank-you emails from many of these students remains one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience.

As a Burish intern, I coordinated 40-plus student volunteers across three schools. I’ve realized that while direct community engagement should be a core component of service, one can often multiply their impact through management, administrative and coordination roles.

Throughout the school year, I volunteered on political campaigns. Recently, I aided the 2024 Trump campaign, knocking on doors and making phone calls. I also interned on Derek Merrin’s campaign for Ohio’s 9th congressional district, focusing on undecided voters. I also served as the Rockbridge Report Republican commentator on Election Night. Following the election, I felt the excitement of President Trump’s victory, but I also felt disappointment in Derek’s defeat — one of the closest congressional races of 2024.

I rushed Pi Kappa Alpha (Pike), serving as my fraternity’s recruitment, social and philanthropy chair at different points. In those roles, I helped recruit the two largest fraternity pledge classes in nearly a decade. In addition to countless memories and fun times, my experience as a Pike taught me how to take ownership of an event — whether it was a Parents and Family Weekend cocktail party, an Alumni Weekend cookout or a Wednesday night mixer.

I was a member of College Republicans, attending multiple events. I always appreciated how, even when W&L students disagreed with a visiting speaker, they maintained the civility and integrity characteristic of our school’s mission statement.

Playing Michael in the Bentley Musical’s production of ‘tick, tick…BOOM!’ during my freshman year embodied W&L’s liberal arts ideal, proving that students can pursue theater alongside rigorous academics and extensive extracurricular involvement.

I was also a Residential Advisor for three years, a University Ambassador, W&L Executive Committee (EC) representative for the undergraduate class of 2025 in my first year and a member of the Kathekon Alumni Engagement recruitment steering committee.

What internships or other summer experiences did you partake in, and how did those experiences shape you and your career plans?

Last summer, I interned on Capitol Hill for Congressman Bob Latta. I absolutely loved my time in his office. Not only is Congressman Latta an amazing public servant, but his entire team exhibited astounding professionalism, dedication and mentorship — a great place to learn. The experience solidified my desire to return to Capitol Hill upon graduation.

What’s been one of your favorite experiences over the last four years?

Spring Term abroad in Italy was absolutely amazing. During our three-week program in Castiglion Fiorentino, a picturesque Tuscan town, I taught English to Italian middle school students while immersing myself in the local culture. The connections I formed with Italian college students enriched the experience immeasurably, providing authentic cultural insights beyond the classroom. Under the exceptional guidance of Professors Moffa and Sigler — two of W&L’s best educators — the program exceeded all expectations. The experience created lasting memories: witnessing an electrifying soccer rivalry match in Rome, exploring Italian nightlife with local friends and learning traditional cooking techniques at a generational vineyard.

Did you connect with alumni during your career development process? How did they help you on your path?

I’ve interacted with many W&L alumni in my time here at W&L. One alumnus that stands out is Drew Teitelbaum ’16, a fraternity brother of mine and former Trump administration political appointee. He’s given me excellent career advice, and I’m incredibly grateful for his guidance.

Who or what has inspired you along the way?

As a Bonner Scholar, I started at my main service site soon after arriving on campus. There, I’ve worked with countless children and developed a close relationship with my supervisor, Tammy Dunn, the director of youth services at the Lexington City Office on Youth. Ms. Tammy is an absolute pillar of the community, an amazing mentor and the epitome of a public servant. At the end of March, another volunteer and I organized a retirement celebration for Ms. Tammy, who will be leaving the center after over three decades of service. She inspires everyone she meets to care — and, while they’re at it, to have some fun.

What’s your proudest accomplishment?

I’ve lost over 120 pounds since my freshman year of undergraduate study. W&L’s amazing Dining Services (especially the Marketplace) and easily accessible fitness center played a large role in my physical transformation.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your W&L experience?

My W&L experience would be incomplete without mention of my fraternity brothers — my closest friends on campus. Every day, I woke up grateful for those guys. When I wasn’t reading, studying or pursuing one of the extracurriculars mentioned above, I was hanging out with them. They push me to constantly improve, and I hope I do the same for them.