USCB Graduate Kolby Minckler Pursues Justice as California Capitol Fellow
Kolby Minckler, a recent graduate of the University of South Carolina Beaufort (USCB), is making strides in the field of public service as a Judicial Fellow in California’s prestigious Capitol Fellowship Program.
This competitive initiative offers participants hands-on experience in state government while earning graduate credit through Sacramento State University. Minckler’s work in the program has reinforced his dedication to addressing critical societal challenges.
Minckler, 23, graduated from USCB in December 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in History. In September 2024, he began the 10-month fellowship, which immerses participants in the judicial, legislative, or executive branches of California’s government. Minckler chose the judicial track and was placed in the Sacramento Superior Court’s Collaborative Courts Unit.
The Collaborative Courts program provides alternatives to traditional sentencing for individuals with underlying issues such as mental illness, substance use disorders, or military service-related trauma. Eligible defendants can apply for a pretrial diversion program aimed at treatment and rehabilitation rather than incarceration or fines. As a Capitol Fellow, Minckler works in court administration, collecting and analyzing data.
“My office tracks monthly statistics on participants — how many are admitted, removed, or complete the program,” Minckler explained. “Mental health is a hot topic in the California legislature, and any program they implement, we track the volume and examine how it’s affecting the workings of the court and its ability to operate effectively.”
The fellowship is not just a gateway to public service but also a steppingstone toward advanced education. Minckler will earn six graduate credits in Public Administration. After finishing his fellowship, he is considering working for the California court system or as a legislative aide, and may apply to attend law school part-time.
Minckler’s interest in the fellowship stemmed from a family connection to California. His aunts and uncles live in the San Francisco Bay area, and an uncle recommended the Capitol Fellowship as a way to begin a career in public service.
At USCB, Minckler distinguished himself academically and professionally. A member of the Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society, he also participated in the university’s 2023 Reconstruction Era Symposium, presenting research on the Grand Army of the Republic Hall, a historic Beaufort landmark tied to African American Civil War veterans.
Dr. James Shinn, Minckler’s mentor and an assistant professor of history at USCB, praised his student’s achievements: “Kolby Minckler is one of the best students I’ve taught. He is curious, diligent, thoughtful, and an excellent writer. He is proof that a USCB History degree can set you up for big things.”
Reflecting on his time at USCB, Minckler encouraged prospective students who are interested in History to embrace the major, even if their career paths are unclear. “If you really enjoy history and are passionate about it, stick with it. Opportunities will come — especially in education, government, or law.”
Minckler’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. After losing his mother at a young age, he lived with his grandmother on Hilton Head Island while commuting to USCB. To support himself through college, Kolby balanced his studies with working at a bike repair shop and later in carpentry and remodeling.
Minckler’s journey from Hilton Head Island to Sacramento showcases the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a strong academic foundation. He is poised to make a lasting impact in public service.
- USCB -
CW • 1/08/2025