Political science student's internship turns into full-time position at the White House

Riverside, Calif. (May 6, 2026) — Savannah Morris, a political science senior, recently found her place in Washington, D.C, as an intern — and now a full-time employee — at the White House. 

Since January, Morris has worked in the executive branch’s Office of National Drug Control Policy under Daniel Boatright (‘09), assistant director of The Office of Supply Elimination. In this internship, she drafts briefs and letters to international delegations, working closely with departments like the Drug Enforcement Administration and FBI.  

Morris first met Boatright after hearing him speak on a panel hosted by the College of Arts and Sciences in which he discussed how to prepare for law school and pursue internships in D.C. After speaking to him that day, she decided to ask him for a job the next day, when Boatright spoke at another CAS event.  

Morris handed Boatright her resume, showcasing limited experience for the role. He politely declined, mentioning that he only hired lawyers, but put her in contact with staff in the House and Senate offices. She began interviewing for those positions but then got a call from Boatright. He had been moved to the executive branch and could hire his own interns. 

“He asked me if I was interested and I said yes,” she said. 

Only 30 minutes after a panel interview with policy analysts Caroline Floam and Madeleine Steppel from the office of national drug control policy, along with Boatright, Morris heard that she was chosen for the role. 

When first transferring to California Baptist University in 2024, Morris knew she wanted to find a career where she could help people but didn’t know what that would be.  

She discussed her options with mentors like Dr. Troy Hinrichs, professor of criminal justice and pre-law advisor. As a former lawyer, he brought first-hand experience into the classroom and displayed patience with Morris when explaining difficult concepts. 

“I think that personal aspect is very unique to CBU,” Morris said. “That was one of the things that made me more passionate about learning. I didn’t feel alone in my learning journey.” 

As Morris sought guidance from professors on her career path, she landed upon the area of human rights and human trafficking. Her position in the drug policy office has given her a leg up in this field.  

“I was recently put into contact with an attorney at the Department of Justice who specializes in human trafficking,” Morris said. She asked the attorney about different routes to take in the field, where the most impact was and what she’s experienced in various programs. 

After graduation, Morris will carry her passion into a full-time position in the international division of the Office of Supply Elimination at the Office of National Drug Control Policy. This policy-focused position will center on illicit finance and human trafficking, she said.  

As she looks forward to her permanent move to D.C, Morris plans to further her education with a law degree. The connections she’s made, from CBU to the White House, have widened her options for law school.  

Morris never could’ve guessed where one courageous moment would bring her. She is glad she took the bold step to talk to Boatright.  

“I have been going through this whole process with open hands, saying, ‘God, wherever you want me to be, just help me to be faithful to take those steps and walk into those opens doors that you’re providing,’” Morris said.