Department of Political Science

Ronald O. Loveridge Fellowship

About

The Ronald O. Loveridge Fellowship was established in 2015 with an inaugural class of five fellows. The program allows for UCR's rising seniors and recent graduates to spend 10 weeks of the summer working in public service in Sacramento.

The Fellowship gives Political Science and Public Policy students the opportunity to experience the inner-workings of California's state government. The program works to connect students with alumni and other mentors throughout their stay in Sacramento by hosting weekly seminars and workshops.

Ronald O. Loveridge

Ron Loveridge is a long-time professor of political science at UCR (1965-) and a former local elected official, 19 years as Mayor of Riverside (1994-2012) and 14 years as a Council member (1979-1993). He was President of the League of California Cities (2004) and President of the National League of Cities (2010). He is currently the Program Chair of the National Civic League Board and a Fellow in the National Academy of Public Administration. As a professor, he taught/placed over 2,000 interns in the greater Riverside area.

Locally, Loveridge is Vice President of Ontario International Airport Authority, President of the Friends of the California Citrus Park, President of the Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, Director of UCR’s Inland Center for Sustainable Development, Board of Directors of the Coalition for Clean Air, Board of Directors of Riverside’s International Relations Council, and member of two local leadership groups—Raincross and Monday Morning Group.

Loveridge completed his BA from University of Pacific (1960) and his PhD from Stanford University (1965). He and his wife Marsha have been married for 57 years. He has two daughters—Joan and Kelly. 

Cohorts

The initial cohort for the Fellowship was just five students. Over the years the cohort size has grown, allowing for more diverse placement opportunities. Fellows have the chance to work in a variety of offices around Sacramento including legislative offices, executive offices, non-profit organizations, state agencies, and more.

As someone who will soon pursue a Ph.D. in Education Policy, my internship with the community colleges strengthened my understanding of higher education administration in California. I gained a stronger understanding of educational institutions and how they operate, which will better inform my future research. I am grateful I was able to have this opportunity!
Samia Alkam
I was honored to serve as a Loveridge Public Service Fellow. My time at the California State Association of Counties was my first experience of public service through the form of public policy and intergovernmental relations. It was an experience that I will cherish for a life time.
Gregory Hutchins
Though challenging, interning as an executive fellow for the CA Secretary of State's office was a wonderfully immersive experience into local politics that I've never had before. Working with the team that made the 2020 Presidential Elections possible was incredibly inspiring and increased my appreciation for the hard work that goes into the executive branch of government.
Dyanna Castañeda
My experience at GO-Biz taught me about the importance of prioritizing jobs that emphasize the quality of life and equity. As a future urban planner, this experience taught me so much about the importance of all levels of government working together toward the greater good of all Californians.
Natalie Ikhrata
The Loveridge Fellowship allowed me to get a unique perspective by placing me in a Statewide office which helped me to gain a deeper understanding of government and the policymaking process
David Angel

Contact

For more information about this program, please reach out to Professor Ron O. Loveridge via email: ronald.loveridge@ucr.edu.