Kyle Henry, '12, First Joe Stroud Intern

The Ford Institute is proud to have Kyle Henry, '12, as its first Joe Stroud Intern in Journalism and Policy.  A Secondary Education English major and Public Policy minor, Kyle did his internship with the Detroit Free Press' editorial division during the summer of 2010.  He worked directly with Stephen Henderson, Editorial Page editor, and wrote six articles on issues like politics, the Detroit Public Schools, poverty, and other topics related to the Detroit Metro area.

One of the highlights of Kyle's internship experience was being present during the editorial board interviews with candidates running for governor during the 2010 election.  He then edited hours of footage to create a web video, and also wrote an editorial encouraging young people to become more active in the electoral process.

This unique internship opportunity was developed in memory of Joe Stroud, former Detroit Free Press editor and Ford Institute director.  Following his death, his family created the Joe Stroud Memorial Fund at Albion College, through which the internship provides first-hand experience in combining policy with journalistic leadership.

Kyle exemplifies the qualities required for this internship, not only with his academic and career interests, but through his leadership and involvement at Albion as well.  He served as a writer and editor for the Albion Pleiad, a mentor at Albion Public Schools, and was selected to be a Sleight Leadership Fellow for 2011.  Moreover, he is a member of Sigma Tau Delta honorary English fraternity, Tau Kappa Epsilon, and vice president of the Order of Omega.

Reflecting on his time at Albion College, Kyle noted that Albion "allows you to be somebody and explore what you want to do in life."  Through the Fritz Shurmur Center for Teacher Development, he experienced public education both internationally and locally.  He was part of a recent trip to France for a comparative study of the French and American educational systems.  He also brought his enthusiasm to the Albion Public School's sixth grade class at Harrington Elementary.  There he created a project focusing on the town of Albion that engaged students through writing journals and making posters.  As Harrington student Olivia Garrett Anes stated, "Mr. Henry is nice, funny, smart like a teacher, and not at all cranky."  Kyle earned high marks from the teachers as well.

"Albion College is truly a community of learners with great support and mentoring from faculty members and staff," Kyle commented.  "Students are offered exceptional opportunities that you might not get somewhere else."