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Alumna becomes youngest chief of staff on Capitol Hill

At only 24-years-old, alumna Sarah Stevens ('12) was recently named chief of staff and communications director for Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa).
At only 24-years-old, alumna Sarah Stevens (’12) was recently named chief of staff and communications director for Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa).

At only 24 years old, alumna Sarah Stevens (’12) was recently named chief of staff and communications director for Congressman Steve King (R-Iowa), making her the youngest person to hold such a post in Washington, D.C.

In her new role, Stevens writes King’s press releases, op-eds, and serves as a liaison between the congressman and all national media. Additionally, she runs the congressman’s multiple offices across the nation. Stevens previously served as King’s press assistant, press secretary, and communications director.

Stevens, who earned a B.S. in Communication Studies with dual concentrations in broadcast and advertising/public relations, said that her education from Liberty prepared her for her current position.

“I can honestly say that my classes taught me so many of the skills that I needed to do my job,” she said. “Many of my professors had great real-world experience that they passed along in our classes, which translated so easily to my job here in Washington, D.C. Liberty also taught me that the battle is not always just about policy or your daily tasks, but about morality and remaining true to your faith. Liberty taught me to be a cultural conservative, one that stands on the principles of my faith and not political ideology.”

During her senior year at Liberty, Stevens interned with the Heritage Foundation in Washington, D.C., through Liberty’s Washington Fellowship. According to Stevens, this real-world experience while still in school was invaluable.

“The Washington Fellowship truly helped launch my career path in Washington, D.C.,” she said. “I know of no better internship program offered that gives interns the structure, hands-on learning, variety of possibilities. I would encourage all Liberty University students from any major to consider doing the fellowship at least one semester.”

The Washington Fellowship is managed by the Liberty University Career Center and seeks to prepare students for community, civic, and cultural leadership through internship opportunities in the nation’s capital. Graduates of the program are awarded the status of “Scholar and Fellow” as a lifetime member of the Fellowship.

Stevens said that she is thankful that she is able to work for a member of Congress who shares the same beliefs as her.

“I have learned that when you stand on principle, when you fight for truth, you may stand alone. It will not always be easy, but the reward of seeing the needle move even just a little more to the right toward conservative principles is well worth the fight,” she said.

Stevens added that she is “honored and humbled” to have this opportunity.

“Success can be defined so differently for every person,” she said. “For me, it is not about the position or title I hold, but how I am continually helping to advance conservative principles while staying true to my faith.”

Along with Stevens, there are several other Liberty alumni active in other roles in D.C., including lobbying, government, and media. Some of these individuals are Tony Perkins (1985), Family Research Council President; Penny Nance (1988), Concerned Women for America President and CEO; Shannon Bream (1993), Fox News Channel Anchor; and Dana Brown Ritter (2000), CBN News Producer.

Stevens’ unprecedented rise was recognized by Roll Call, a national news outlet that has covered Capitol Hill since 1955.

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