Liam Callan, a recent Taylor University graduate with a degree in political science, philosophy and economics, is gaining firsthand experience in the legislative process through an internship in the Indiana Senate.
Callan, who graduated in the spring of 2024, assists two veteran Republican state senators at the Indiana Statehouse.
While he said there wasn’t one specific event that inspired him to pursue the internship, he sees it as a valuable step toward future opportunities, including a potential role as a legislative assistant.
“It’s a stepping stone into further things,” Callan said. “The experience has been very educational and eye-opening.”
On session days—Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays—Callan prepares bill packets for Sens. Jean Leising, R-District 42, and Sue Glick, R-District 13, organizing legislation according to the Senate calendar before the afternoon session.
Beyond session duties, Callan manages much of the senators’ correspondence. He handles phone calls and processes constituent emails, compiling relevant communications for the senators. He also transcribes their handwritten responses, sometimes using AI to decipher their cursive handwriting, before sending replies.
“They want everything paper copy,” Callan said. “They don’t even really know how to use their phones, so that makes my job more complicated.Callan handles event invitations, compiles information for the senators’ consideration and helps schedule meetings with lobbyists and agency representatives.
Working with Leising and Glick, veteran lawmakers, has provided unique insights into their collaborative relationship. Leising chairs the Agriculture Committee and Glick serves as ranking member, and vice versa for the Natural Resources Committee.
Callan credited his Taylor education for giving him a foundation to understand the impact and process of legislation.
He also said Taylor’s smaller classes developed his communication skills, which he finds crucial for interacting effectively in the Statehouse.
“You have to be confident when you communicate,” Callan said, noting the need to be well-informed.
Callan said that the specific policy areas his senators are working on, such as equine dentistry, grain indemnity and carbon sequestration may not be considered high-profile. Callan found a recent bill concerning “fake meat” labeling particularly interesting, noting the debate over labeling language and potential effects on vegan options.
He also credited Taylor faculty, including his academic advisor Kevin Diller, professor of philosophy and religion, for forming him into the person he is now.
Diller said Callan has a strong ability to connect abstract ideas.
“He has an artistic mind that can draw faith-informed conclusions by weaving together philosophical principles with insights from the sciences and everyday life,” Diller said.
Callan stressed the importance for students interested in legislative internships to network. Students should use all available resources and connections, he said, noting that gaining experience may take time. He cited a previous internship at the Sagamore Institute in Indianapolis as valuable for his résumé and for providing local connections.
Looking ahead, Callan hopes to become a legislative assistant after the session ends and then continue up the political ladder.
