Ella Ford

Fall 2026 John Jay Fellow

Hometown: Gadsden, AL
College: Samford University
Major: Political Science and History

Born and raised in Alabama, Ella Ford is a December 2025 graduate of Samford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and History. Before becoming a John Jay Fellow, she served as a Court Attendant for the Presiding Judge of the Tenth Judicial Circuit of Alabama, gaining first hand experience in court administration, project management, and the practical dynamics of the legal system. Outside of school and work, Ella enjoys singing in the church choir and reading classic British detective stories. 

During her time at Samford, Ella served as President of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute chapter, directed Grace Dance Ministries, and was an active member of both the Stockham Scholars Program and the Howard Scholars Program. She also competed on Samford’s debate team for two years, earning national recognition for her performance. Her academic and extracurricular work included attending conferences with the American Enterprise Institute and the Institute on Religion and Democracy. Ella is excited to supplement her liberal arts education at Samford with the rigorous reading and writing regimen of the John Jay Fellowship. 

After her time at John Jay, Ella is planning on pursuing policy analysis and research work in Washington, D.C., with a focus on foreign policy or judicial policy. Her past research projects have examined the intersection of religion and drug trafficking in terror organizations, as well as the role evangelical missionaries have historically played in the relationship between the United States and Colombia. Ella is excited for the growth opportunities provided by the John Jay Fellowship in faith and public service. She hopes to continue to explore the intersection of religion, public life, and foreign relations following her time at John Jay.