Dr. Steve Swindle presenting Laura Padgitt with the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus award during the Homecoming department breakfast.
The Lee University Department of History, Political Science, and Humanities honored Laura Padgitt as the 2014 Distinguished Alumnus at a department breakfast during Homecoming festivities.
Ms. Padgitt graduated from Lee in 2006 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. In Dec. 2011, she joined the government relations team at Cardinal Health, a Fortune 22 company that improves the cost-effectiveness of healthcare.
Currently, Ms. Padgitt works alongside other members of the Cardinal Health government relations team to track and monitor legislation in all 50 states and Puerto Rico while advocating for her organization. In addition to her monitoring and lobbying responsibilities, Ms. Padgitt is also responsible for managing the Cardinal Health Political Action Committee and the voter education programs for Cardinal Health employees.
Prior to joining Cardinal Health, Ms. Padgitt ran a campaign for a member of the Ohio Legislature, worked as an aide in the Ohio Senate, and worked on the government relations team at the Ohio State Medical Association.
“Laura perfectly embodies the ideals of our program,” said Lee professor Dr. Steve Swindle. “She thinks seriously about the intersection of her faith and politics, has continuously worked to develop a strong set of academic and professional virtues, and leads a life that pursues justice in the world around her. We are proud of who she is and all that she has done, and look forward with excitement to what she will accomplish in the future.”
Ms. Padgitt currently resides in Ohio with her husband RJ and their two sons, Ethan and Grant.