Student Stories: Get to Know Westminster College Senior Matthew Trout
Matthew Trout, ’24 ΦΔΘ, is among only a handful of individuals from small colleges nationwide to be selected for a prestigious fellowship with the Center for the Study for the Presidency and Congress (CSPC).*
After his 2022-2023 fellowship, Trout received another recent scholarly honor: The CSPC published his research paper ― “The President’s ‘Loaded Weapon’: Using Justice Jackson’s Framework to Address Statutory Ambiguity in the National Emergencies Act” ― last summer in the 2022-2023 Fellows Review. Read further to learn more about Trout.
Where are you from originally?
I am originally from Lee’s Summit, Missouri, and I attended Blue Springs South High School.
What is your major/minor?
I am currently triple majoring in Political Science, Security Studies, and Philosophy/Religious Studies. I am also minoring in Pre-Law.
What was your favorite part of your fellowship experience?
My favorite part of my recent experience in DC was getting to go on a site visit to the Pentagon. I’ve spent a lot of time in my classes learning about the creation of national security policy, so getting to tour the building where these decisions are made every day and hearing from officials in the field about their work was truly an experience I will never forget.
What activities and clubs are you involved in?
I am currently the Warden of Phi Delta Theta, the Co-President of the Westminster College Democrats, and a member of the executive team of Phi Alpha Delta. Additionally, I am a member of the baseball team, the John Quincy Adams Society, the Order of Omega, and seven honor societies.
What do you like most about Westminster College?
My favorite part about Westminster College is how much the professors here care about the success of their students. Since arriving on campus, my professors have pushed me to be a better student, encouraged me to find and cultivate my passion, and opened many doors for me, both academically and professionally. They have truly set me up for success, and I can’t thank them enough.
What are your future plans?
After graduation, I plan on taking some time to pursue a number of personal and professional goals of mine before attending law school, where I hope to specialize in national security and constitutional law.
*A premiere outlet for scholarship on the presidency, the CSPC has partnered for more than 50 years with institutions such as Harvard University, Stanford University, the U.S. Air Force Academy, and the U.S. Naval Academy. Westminster College has participated in the program since 2020.
