Hometown: Iuka, Illinois

Majors: Political Science and Legal Studies

Future Plans: Apply to law school

Joseph Partain says the University of Illinois Springfield is “the perfect place to learn about politics and law.” On campus, he’s a student worker and policy intern with the Illinois Innocence Project. The Project works to free people who have been wrongfully convicted. Partain is also the president of the UIS Mock Trial Team and a member of Model Illinois Government. “It’s great being in a small school environment,” he said. “I feel like I can always learn as much as possible from each and every professor, and becoming active on campus and in the Springfield community is quick, easy, and immensely rewarding.” Following graduation, he plans to apply to law school and pursue work in federal criminal defense.

Leadership is lived at UIS. Every day.