Political science graduate earns national Phi Kappa Phi fellowship

The Nederland, Texas native who graduated from LU in May with a bachelor's degree in political science, is one of 40 students nationwide selected to receive a 2026 Phi Kappa Phi Fellowship. He will begin his first year at George Washington University Law School this fall.

Sedtal initially planned to study cybersecurity but changed his major to political science after deciding to pursue a career in law.

"I decided to pursue a career in law after praying about what path I should take in life," Sedtal said. "I realized that I wasn't meant for that career path and switched majors to political science, intending to attend law school."

The $8,500 fellowship will help offset the cost of law school, which Sedtal said represents a significant investment in his future.

"Receiving this fellowship means a lot to me," he said. "I'm grateful that Phi Kappa Phi is willing to invest in my future, especially since law school is an expensive investment."

Sedtal said he is particularly looking forward to the networking opportunities available in Washington, D.C., where he hopes to build connections with government professionals.

"Attending law school in Washington, D.C., gives me many opportunities to network with high-level government employees, which is important since I plan to work in the government," he said.

Sedtal credits LU's pre-law program and faculty with helping prepare him for the transition to law school.

He highlighted the instruction of Terri Davis in judicial process and constitutional law and Katey McCall, who coached him in moot court.

"Dr. Davis, through her instruction in judicial process and constitutional law, taught me how to think like a lawyer," Sedtal said. "Professor Katey McCall, through her coaching in moot court, also taught me how to think like a lawyer as well as introducing me to legal writing."

As a first-generation law student, Sedtal said the guidance he received at LU helped him feel prepared for the next step.

"Dr. Davis' and Professor McCall's instruction made me far more prepared than the average first-generation law student," he said.

Sedtal plans to pursue a career in government after law school. He is particularly interested in opportunities with the U.S. Department of Justice, U.S. Department of State and U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Eventually, he hopes to use his government experience as a foundation for a career in elected office.

"One day, I hope to use my experience and connections gained by working in the government to run for Congress," he said.

Phi Kappa Phi's Fellowship Program was established in 1932 and awards fellowships based on academic achievement, graduate potential, service and leadership experience, recommendations, career goals and acceptance into an approved graduate or professional program.

The 2026 program awarded two $35,000 fellowships, six $15,000 Marcus L. Urann Fellowships and 40 $8,500 fellowships.

Phi Kappa Phi, founded in 1897, is a national honor society that recognizes achievement across academic disciplines. The society inducts about 20,000 students, faculty, professional staff and alumni each year.

To learn more about the Department of Political Science at Lamar University, visit https://www.lamar.edu/arts-sciences/political-science/.