Patrick Baker, a global studies and political science major from Maryville, Missouri, was selected as a sophomore for the Cargill Global Scholars program on the merits of his exemplary academic achievement and leadership potential. During the two-year leadership development program, Baker connected with other undergraduate students from Brazil, China, India, Russia and Indonesia to develop his foreign policy career through financial assistance, international summits, seminars with Cargill executives and one-on-one mentoring.
Patrick also served as a Student Fellow at the Yeutter Institute for International Trade and Finance, which gave him the opportunity to research and write a briefing paper on Trade Promotion Authority. This policy is a tool utilized by the United States government to negotiate trade deals quickly and effectively. For his paper, Patrick interviewed former U.S. Chief Agriculture Negotiator Darci Vetter and discussed trade policy. “The Yeutter Institute has been instrumental in my intellectual and career development,” said Patrick. “The opportunities I have received to interact with business, political, and government officials have broadened my understanding of how trade impacts Nebraska.”
As a graduating senior, Patrick was named a finalist for the Marshall Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom. He plans to pursue a career with USAID’s Democracy and Governance department in order to help formulate and implement effective international development policies.
