JMU student honored for commitment to civic engagement

Second-year student Mason Hoey recently facilitated the largest same-day voter registration drive on a Virginia college campus while also mentoring his peers to advocate for JMU’s interests in the Virginia General Assembly.  

For his efforts, Hoey was recognized with the Public Service Student Leadership Award during a ceremony last month sponsored by the Master of Public Administration program and the Madison Center for Community Development.  

After completing an associate’s degree in high school, Hoey is set to graduate from JMU in December with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science and a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration with a concentration in Public Policy, plus a minor in Classical Studies. 

Recent changes in the American political climate are what drew Hoey to public service.  

“I originally became interested in politics and government work after the overturning of Roe v. Wade. I felt like the government was working against the people. After which, I started following the news more closely and became more interested and aware. This led me to pursue these majors,” he shared. 

Hoey’s Madison Experience extends beyond the classroom with involvement in numerous public service organizations.  

He has shown consistent dedication to the SGA, serving as historian and legislative affairs chairperson for the 2024-25 academic year. Complementing this work is his position as a Democracy Fellow for the James Madison Center for Civic Engagement and student representative on the JMU Accessibility Committee. 

“From these involvements, I have learned the importance of civic education and advocating for others who are unable to fight for themselves,” Hoey said. 

Validating his hard work and dedication are the various awards he’s received during his time at JMU, such as the Public Service Award and a 2025 SOAR award. He’s particularly proud of his persistent work as a student representative on the Accessibility Committee, succeeding in modernizing the outdated accessibility of the JMU Map and routinely monitoring it to ensure the committee remains up-to-date on accessibility options. 

As for the future, Hoey is still testing the waters. 

“My plans are still in flux; however, I hope to receive a session job in the Virginia General Assembly for [next] spring and hope to receive next year’s governor’s fellowship. Following the summer, I hope to enter a graduate program for an MA in Political Science, either studying American government or political theory.” 

By coupling his education with meaningful action focused on outward-facing service, Hoey embodies JMU’s charge of Being the Change and joins a legion of students who choose to reach beyond the classroom and engage civically with the community. Through his efforts, Hoey also wants to prove that young people can make a difference. 

“The hope that I will be able to make real change, and show those who are in power that the youth care and the youth want change, motivates me to continue working in this sector,” he said, “regardless of any efforts to de-platform or de-power my beliefs.”