Political Science Major

A political science and communication studies double-major with a minor in Spanish, Kelly Deibler was a student ambassador, a lifeguard, and was involved in Cru Campus Ministry, student government, and the Spanish Club. She was awarded the Dr. David K. McQuilkin Endowed Scholarship and the Daniel W. Bly–Lamar B. Neal Award for her outstanding work in political science at Bridgewater. Studying abroad for a semester in Chile allowed Kelly to improve her language skills, which she was able to use in volunteer opportunities. While at Bridgewater she volunteered at NewBridges Immigrant Resources Center and at the after-school program at Covenant Presbyterian Church. Kelly remembers this as being “the most impactful part of my college experience,” helping her round out her education. After graduation, Kelly moved to South Korea, where she taught English for a couple of years. She then went to law school at George Mason University, and now works as a Judicial Law Clerk for Judge Leslie Southwick of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit.

A political science major with a minor in communications, Chris Obenshain was involved in student senate, the forensics and debate team, and the Screamin’ Eagles Pep Band. While at BC, Chris interned with a U.S. Senate campaign based in Richmond. This internship turned into a job opportunity on Capitol Hill, where Chris worked for a couple of years before earning his JD from the University of Virginia School of Law. He clerked on the Virginia Court of Appeals and then worked as a prosecutor before moving on to working for the Virginia Attorney General’s Office. Chris currently works as an Assistant Commonwealth’s Attorney in Montgomery County, Virginia. He has also served in the United States Army Reserve for 18 years, where he is currently a JAG Officer holding the rank of Major. Chris believes that the most important skill he developed in college was how to analyze problems, not just memorize facts, which he attributes to the liberal arts education at Bridgewater College. He also recognizes Bridgewater College’s impact on his career, both in providing career path options and in fostering the lifelong learning and interest in public service which have been key to his career.