Nathan Padley

Fall 2023 John Jay Fellow

Hometown: Litchfield Park, AZ
College: Baylor University
Degree: B.A. University Scholars

Nate Padley graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Baylor Honors College University Scholars Program in May 2023. His degree carries concentrations in political science and history, with a minor in Greek and Roman studies. His favorite courses at Baylor included Foundations of Western Civilization, Roman History and Civilization, and Grand Strategy. To complete his degree, Nate wrote an honors thesis on the subject of Aristotelian great-souled men. In recognition of his academic performance, Nate was honored with induction into the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society.

Nate secured several study fellowships with different public policy institutes during his undergraduate career. He has studied political philosophy with the Hudson Institute, worked on public policy with the American Enterprise Institute, and read British literature with the Hertog Foundation.

During his time out of class at Baylor, Nate participated in a variety of extracurricular activities. He led a men’s Bible study for his local church and hosted a book club for new Honors College students. He played ultimate frisbee, racquetball, and tennis (all with passable competence), and routinely shot skeet, climbed rocks, and lifted weights with his roommates. He rarely slept in college.

Since his graduation, Nate has had several wonderful travel opportunities. He spent two weeks in Italy studying Roman history, one week in the UK participating in a political conference, and three days in Louisiana eating Cajun food.

When his time with the John Jay Institute ends, Nate hopes to pursue work in the legal world. His favorite topics of conversation include Roman history, pocketknives, and rock music.

Read about the other Fall 2023 John Jay Fellows