Jansen Hammock ’23: Building Opportunity in Rural America
Jansen Hammock graduated cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa from Vanderbilt in 2023 with a double major in Public Policy Studies and Economics. Jansen’s thesis explored the impact of the Affordable Care Act’s Medicaid Expansion on economic outcomes in Appalachia. At Vanderbilt, he wrote for the Vanderbilt Political Review, served as a research assistant to Dr. Panka Bencsik, and was a member of the Vanderbilt Club Ultimate Frisbee team. He also interned at the Kentucky office of Governor Andy Beshear and served as a youth representative on the Kentucky Juvenile Justice Advisory Board. Since graduating, Jansen has joined the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development where he focuses on the development of energy-related industries. Jansen will be pursuing law school following his service in state government.
“Being part of the team that brings jobs and opportunities to my home state of Kentucky has shown me how important economic policies are, and it has further motivated me to continue a career in public service in the future,” Jansen says. “Following law school, I hope to serve in Federal government as a policy advisor. I would love to bring my perspective from growing up in Eastern Kentucky to shape economic policies that impact rural areas in our nation. My time at Vanderbilt has provided me with many opportunities for a career in public service, and I’m excited to find where I can use my passion to contribute most.