James Feeks ’26, a double major in Finance and Supply Chain Management with a minor in Spanish and Hispanic Studies, has been awarded the NBC/John Carroll University Meet the Press Fellowship. He is the 18th student to earn this exclusive nine-month opportunity at Meet the Press, NBC’s number-one-rated Sunday morning public affairs program and the longest-running television program in the world.
Feeks will begin his work with the Meet the Press team on September 3 in Washington, D.C.
“I was overwhelmed with joy when I received the call from NBC,” Feeks said. “All of the hard work I put into preparing for the interview had paid off, but what mattered even more was being chosen to carry on the legacy of Tim Russert. I will begin this fellowship with the goal of seeking the truth and holding others accountable in each airing of the show.”
The Meet the Press Fellowship was established at John Carroll in 2009 in memory of legendary journalist and JCU alumnus Tim Russert ’72. Each year, the opportunity is awarded to a JCU senior who demonstrates a passion for journalism, politics, and public service.
“James embodies the intellectual curiosity, ethical grounding, and leadership that are hallmarks of a John Carroll student,” said Dr. Brent Brossmann, Associate Professor and Chair of the Tim Russert Department of Communication at JCU. “This fellowship not only provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain hands-on experience at a top national news program, but it also continues a legacy of JCU graduates who go on to build distinguished and impactful careers in journalism, public affairs, and beyond.”
From Campaigns to the Newsroom
Feeks’s interest in politics and media began in high school, when he became involved in congressional campaigns and quickly moved into leadership roles, eventually serving as a county coordinator and later as a field director. Through these experiences, he gained hands-on exposure to political organizing, public speaking, and data-driven campaign strategy.
In college, Feeks expanded his media experience as a guest speaker on Cleveland-based radio The Answer AM 1420 and on the #1 Spotify ranked a podcast for Christian men, Man in the Arena Podcast, where he discussed topics ranging from generational political trends to the impact of artificial intelligence. He credits these opportunities with strengthening his research, communication, and analytical skills.
“I am the first student outside of political science or journalism to be selected for this position,” said Feeks. “I am confident that John Carroll’s well-rounded Jesuit education, combined with my diverse political experiences and involvement in podcasts and radio shows throughout high school and college, has prepared me for this intensive role.”
Preparing for Life in Washington, D.C.
As a Meet the Press Fellow, Feeks will conduct research, participate in production processes, work on Capitol Hill, and support producers and on-air talent. He credits the guidance of JCU faculty and staff for helping him navigate the competitive application process.
“I received tremendous support from the John Carroll community throughout each stage of the selection process,” Feeks shared. “I am deeply grateful to everyone who guided me along the way. I am especially thankful to Dr. Swearingen and Dr. Bruce for spending their weekend with me in Washington for the final interview and for being such dependable and inspiring mentors. John Carroll University is blessed to have such great professors and staff members who continue to make a difference in the lives of each student.”
The NBC/John Carroll University Meet the Press Fellowship is one of the university's most prestigious experiential learning opportunities. Alumni of the fellowship have gone on to lead successful careers in journalism, government, and public service, continuing Tim Russert’s legacy of informed, ethical, and impactful public discourse.
When Feeks walks across the stage at graduation this May and prepares to step into this new role, he plans to keep an open mind and learn all he can right where the action happens.
