• Alden Broome ‘11 has been promoted to Assistant Principal of Walhalla High School. He earned a master’s degree from Clemson. • Hilary Brannock ‘10 works at The South Carolina State Museum in Columbia. • Clay Bryant ’16, a school psychologist for York School District, completed his Ed.S. in School Psychology from Winthrop in May. • Mike Clary ‘13 is Community Development Director for the City of Abbeville. He earned a Master of Public Administration

(MPA) from Eastern Kentucky University. Clary works with Abbeville City Manager *Blake Stone ‘12, who earned an MPA from Clemson before taking his current job in 2017. Stone is also on the board of the Piedmont Municipal Power Agency.

• *Bethanie Constant ‘02 joined Marymount University as Vice President of Advancement in May. Previously she was Senior Director of Advancement for the College of Humanities and Sciences at Virginia Commonwealth University.

• Zeb Gantt ’10 is Community Research and Data Specialist at the United Way of Greenwood and Abbeville Countries. • *Anna LaGrone ‘15 joined the non-profit Preservation South Carolina as program coordinator for its Sacred Spaces initiative. • *Chrissie Cofield Lattimore ‘11 is Chief of Police for the City of Laurens. She completed a master’s degree at Anderson

University and previously worked for the State Law Enforcement Division. She is also a part-time faculty member at Lander. • Jamison Nicklaus ’15 is Senior Recruiter for Samsung Electronics. He earned an MBA from Anderson University. • Steven Chase Owens ’17 is a Social Studies Teacher at Lakeview Middle School in Greenville. • *Kenneth Roach ‘13 returned to Lander as Associate Director of Admissions. In January, he was named Vice President of the

Carolinas Association of Registrars and Admissions Officers. • Sydney Shepard ‘19 uses her history degree as a ranger at the Ninety Six National Historic Site managed by the U.S. Park Service. • Seth Walden ’17 is a Licensed Insurance Sales Producer at the Glynn Winslow Agency, an Allstate insurance group in Columbia. • *Demario Watts ‘12 returned to Lander in August 2019 as Director of Student Activities and recently completed his doctorate in

education. He was previously Assistant Dean of Students at Wofford College had previously earned two master’s degrees. • Michael Waldrop ‘14 is a Social Studies Teacher at Laurens Middle School in Laurens, SC. • Julia Yonce ‘20, a new alumna in May, started work as Family Court Clerk at Saluda County Court House. * = pictured above

College of Behavioral & Social Sciences 864-388-8176

Lucas McMillan, Dean smcmillan@lander.edu

Donna Knight, Administrative Assistant dknight@lander.edu

Summer2020 Alumni & Friends Newsletter

Alumni Updates

Dean’s Message: Covid-19 has required many transitions and much creative thinking. With commitments to good teaching, individualized mentorship, and collaborative learning, Lander faculty were prepared to continue pushing students toward inquiry with great care. The University continues to adapt to changing realities, and we are reminded daily that the benefits of a liberal arts education include adaptability and the tools for life-long learning. Like our alumni, we have been enhancing our skills with technology and learning new ways of doing things. Collegiality is an ingredient in faculty and staff evaluations, so I was not surprised at our successes. I am very proud of our faculty, students, and recent graduates. Since March, we have been reminded that it is okay to ask for help, that we should listen more, and that there is always more to learn. Wherever you are, we hope that you are safe and well. Even during this uncertain time, this newsletter reminds us of so much success in new academic programs, students’ achievements, faculty accolades, and continued community connections. Our alumni updates below affirm that Lander graduates benefit from what we offer—a strong liberal arts education that pushes professional development with internships, career mentorship, and readiness so that our graduates can extend their education or begin careers. Finally, I am thankful for all those alumni and friends that have joined us in making donations to support scholarships, undergraduate research, the Covid-19 relief fund, and other initiatives. Your support for our students, faculty, and programs is very appreciated! Go Bearcats! -- Lucas McMillan

Student News and Achievements

Student Government Representative

This academic year, the College was represented by junior History - Secondary Education major Gemma Perez. As a member of SGA, Perez was the College’s primary liaison on the Student Government Association. She met regularly with Dean McMillan to discuss updates and to gain input from the college on student legislative matters.

Political Science majors Kara Dorrity and Jake Powell spent the spring studying within the S.C. Washington Semester Program. Both interned in U.S. Senate offices, Dorrity in Sen. Lindsey Graham’s office and Powell in Sen. Tim Scott’s office. [Learn more]

Internships & Semesters Away • Internships continued to be very beneficial for our students, whether they

occurred locally, in the Upstate of South Carolina, or in Washington, D.C. • Semesters away opportunities carried our students to Israel, Italy, South

Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, as well as in Washington, D.C. in fall 2019 and spring 2020, even though Lander brought students home this spring.

Students win national-level accolades • A May 2020 graduate with a double major in Psychology and Spanish,

Mekensie Therrien will make a presentation at the American Psychological Association conference in August 2020. She was mentored by Dr. Mandy Cleveland and previously presented her research at the National Conference for Undergraduate Research.

• Senior political science major Jake Powell was accepted as South Carolina’s only representative to attend the 2020 College Student Congress of the Henry Clay Center for Statesmanship. [Learn more]

Bearcats in Washington, D.C.

2020 Academic Award Winners In lieu of spring ceremonies, Lander celebrated these students with a website. Check out the recipients of the College’s awards as well as those graduates from our programs who earned distinction from Lander’s Honors College.

Students’ Presentations • The caliber of students’ work was again validated with letters of acceptance

for students to present their research at state and national-level conferences in addition to Lander’s Student Academic Research Symposium that moved online. In spring 2020, these organizations accepted our students work: o American Psychological Assn. (APA) (Mekensie Therrien is pictured right) o Carolina Undergraduate Social Science Symposium (CUSSS) o Georgia Undergraduate Research in Psychology Conference (GURP) o South Carolina Political Science Assn. (SCPSA)

Graduate School Acceptances

• News from graduate schools continues to greet our students who were accepted to graduate and professional degree programs for future M.A., M.S., M.Litt., M.A.T., M.Ed., M.S.W., M.Div., and J.D. degrees at these institutions: Clemson University Furman University North Carolina Central University University of South Carolina University of St. Andrews Virginia Theological Seminary Winthrop University

• Faculty help students prepare applications through careful review of materials and mock interviews. Departments held alumni panels to talk about careers and graduate school and the College held a dinner for graduating seniors to better prepare them with interviewing skills and professionalization skills.

• For 2020-2021 and beyond, the College has standardized its undergraduate research courses at the 200- and 400-level. This curricular work will better enable students to seek opportunities with faculty and support a track that helps students ready themselves for graduate study.

Students chronicle experience with COVID-19 • Following in the steps of the New York Historical Society, Dr. Franklin

Rausch and a select group of students sought to chronicle their experiences during this global pandemic. This is helping students to see the world through the lens of history and connect with public history that uses interviews and personal reflections to chronicle society’s experiences. [Learn more]

Curricula & Program Development Updates New programs gain approval from the S.C. Commission on Higher Education and SACSCOC

• B.S. in Human Services—Lander introduces this new degree program that is ideal for developing professionals as they prepare to serve as case managers, counselors, or advocates who coordinate the care of others. The program combines PSYC and SOCI coursework with new HUS courses. Beginning in August, it is offered through traditional and online outlets on Lander’s campus as well as through a blended/ hybrid environment at the University Center in Greenville. [View story here]

• B.A. in International Studies—For several years Lander students are studying abroad in Australia, Asia, and Latin America, not just Western Europe. And interest in the Minor in International Studies has grown. This degree seeks to better prepare students for a globalized world that builds upon a foundation of knowledge about world history and world politics and adds courses within three areas: 1) language, culture, and religion; 2) policy and practice; 3) conflict and cooperation. It is ideal for students with many professional interests. [Learn more here.]

• B.S. in Paralegal Studies—To fill the growing need of skilled paralegals, Lander introduces a new B.S. degree to aims to enhance students’ skills in writing, research, and critical thinking. In addition to courses on areas of the law, the curriculum includes courses on ethics and logic within Philosophy and technical writing courses in English. Beginning in August, the program is offered through traditional and online outlets on Lander’s campus and through a blended/hybrid environment at the University Center in Greenville. [View story here]

• B.S. in History, Emphasis in Public History—This new track responds to the successes of alumni such as Brad Utter ‘97 of The New York State Museum and Jesse Garbowski ’12 of Imagine Exhibitions, Inc. (formerly of The Atlanta History Center), recent alumni pursuing graduate study in historic preservation and public history, and students’ increased interest in public history internships near campus and further away, at the National Archives and Smithsonian Institution. It will also enhance the relationships that Lander already enjoys with The Museum of Greenwood and Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Preservation Site.

C it C ti

Internships: Students continue to benefit from internships. In spring 2020, faculty worked with workplace supervisors to move toward virtual work where possible, or provide students with alternative assignments that accelerate their understanding of possible careers. Special Events • This spring the College continued offered excellent programming for the

benefit of our campus and local community with two major events: o Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: An Evening of Reflection, co-sponsored

by the Mays Historical Preservation Site [Learn more.] o Jackson Lecture Series: “U.S. National Security Challenges Today”

with acclaimed New York Times national security journalist David E. Sanger speaking on cyber security [Learn more.]

Both programs were featured on the front page of the Index-Journal. • “Civil rights historians reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy” • “Lander hosts NYT reporter for cyber security talk”

Community Connections

Dr. Ashley Woodiwiss moderated several special events for students and faculty as well as an evening keynote address by David Sanger that was open to the community. Former Lander First Lady Barbara Jackson was on hand for Sanger’s address and a special dinner held in his honor.

Articulation Agreements with Technical Colleges Articulation agreements are being signed to bring students into many programs, particularly our majors in Criminology, Human Services, and Paralegal Studies. Agreements have been concluded with Central Carolina Technical College, Greenville Technical College, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and Midlands Technical College but many more are in the works for others in the S.C. technical college system. For specific information, contact Lander’s Admissions Office.

Faculty News New appointments and awards

• Dr. Ryan Floyd has been appointed as Chair, Department of History & Philosophy beginning July 1. He is a gifted teacher and accomplished scholar. Dr. Floyd will continue to serve as Coordinator of the Secondary Education program in History that was reaffirmed in 2020 as nationally recognized by the National Council of Social Studies.

• Dr. Mandy Cleveland was selected as Lander’s 2020 Distinguished Professor for her many contributions to teaching, mentorship, scholarship, and university service. [Learn more.]

• Dr. Daniel Harrison has been awarded a President’s Grant for a project on W.E.B. DuBois and Benjamin Mays. His book, Live at Jackson Station: Music, Community, & Tragedy in a Southern Blues Bar is available for pre-ordering from Amazon.com and appears in print this fall from USC Press.

Part-Time Faculty Member of the Year: Ginny Gast Gast (pictured right) is a school psychologist who has been teaching a Lander since 2014. She provides excellent instruction in her courses and mentors students, some of whom have gone on to graduate school in this needed field. We look forward to continuing the tradition of this award. [Learn more.]

Faculty research leads to publications and public lectures • Dr. Shana Southard-Dobbs co-authored an article that is published in the Journal of Loss and

Trauma: International Perspectives on Stress & Coping. She has also been instrumental in mentoring students for presentations at undergraduate conferences in recent years.

• Dr. Jonathan Bassett co-authored articles recently published in the academic journals International Journal of Dream Research and Studies in Popular Culture. This spring he began work on a book project during his sabbatical.

• Dr. John Moore has a forthcoming book chapter in The Palgrave Handbook of Germany Romantic Philosophy. His work accompanies chapters by leading scholars from such institutions as the University of Chicago. Dr. Moore conducted research at Yale’s libraries in summer 2019 for future projects and has added new PHIL courses in ethics in recent years.

• Dr. William Ramsey presented a lecture at Reinhardt University in February and had an article accepted for publication in The South Carolina Historical Magazine, outcomes from his spring 2019 sabbatical. Dr. Ramsey continues work on his second book, tentatively titled The Yamasee Nation in Peace and War. An accomplished historian and poet, he also recently published two poems.

• Dr. Franklin Rausch remains an active scholar. His work has recently been published in the Journal of Korean Studies, Review of Korean Studies, and in The Wiley-Blackwell Companion to Christian Martyrdom. He was instrumental in helping to develop the new Public History emphasis and will teach a new course on memorialization, the subject of some of his scholarship.

• Dr. Ryan Floyd gave a virtual presentation in May about Nixon and Vietnam in a “Lunch and Learn” program of the S.C. Confederate Relic Room & Military Museum at The State Museum.

Emergency Management program gains attention Dr. Matthew Malone leads Lander’s M.S. in Emergency Management program that was featured an Index-Journal article and on a Upstate S.C. business website this spring. He serves on the local emergency management committee and joined a grants review panel for the Greenwood Community Foundation. New Faculty Hires We are delighted to announce new full- and part-time faculty hires in 2019-20 that bring quality credentials (degrees and licenses) and experience (in classrooms and professional life) to our campus. New faculty are:

o Sarah King, (ABD, University of South Carolina), Assistant Professor of Criminology o Robert Klostermeyer (J.D., University of Florida), Coordinator of B.S. in Paralegal Studies o Dr. Zach Rubin (Ph.D., University of Missouri), Assistant Professor of Sociology o Michelle Scott (MSW, University of North Carolina), Coordinator of B.S. in Human Services

We also added new part-time faculty who are instrumental in teaching our students:

o Heather Bennett (M.Ed., Winthrop University), Psychology and Human Services o Beth Burdette Eavenson ‘10 (M.P.A., University of Georgia), Political Science o Dr. Katherine Knop (Ph.D., University of Missouri), Sociology o Brian Laney (J.D., LL.M., University of Akron School of Law), Emergency Management o Alexis Carter Thomas (M.Div., Duke University), Religion

Transformative gifts, new and continuing Mays Endowed Chair established Sally ’75 and Doug Kauffmann created the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Endowed Chair in February to honor one of South Carolina’s most accomplished native sons. Dr. Mays received an honorary degree from Lander College in 1974 and believed it was “confirmation that his life and efforts were not in vain,” according to Chris Thomas, director of the Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Historical Preservation Site in Greenwood. Dr. Kevin Witherspoon has been selected as the inaugural recipient of this honor. Witherspoon will teach a newly-created course on Mays and the evolution of civil rights in the United States each academic year. Witherspoon will also coordinate special events that celebrate the many contributions Mays made through joint projects between Lander and the Mays Site, including opportunities for Lander students through internships and research. Witherspoon is an accomplished teacher and has been instrumental in enhancing Lander’s relationship with the Mays Site. His scholarship has consistently looked at race and civil rights within his focus on American history and sports. [Learn more from the Lander news release] and [read the Index-Journal article]. New Funds Established • Initial gifts have been secured to establish the Timothy L. Snyder Scholarship

named in honor of our long-time faculty member and colleague. Dr. Tim Snyder joined the Lander faculty in 1989 and is still going strong teaching courses in developmental psychology, leading committees in important work, and mentoring faculty. Honor Dr. Synder with a gift to this fund!

• With the launch of the new B.A. in International Studies, we are excited to announce the Tannenbaum Fund for Study Abroad. This honors Dr. Aron Tannenbaum, Professor Emeritus of Political Science, who taught POLS courses in international relations and comparative politics and served as a Fulbright Senior Lecturer in at St. Petersburg State University in Russia. He was, and remains, an advocate for study abroad. Funds will assist students’ costs in studying abroad with preference given to students majoring in either International Studies or Political Science and those spending a semester abroad. Honor Dr. Tannenbaum with a gift to this fund!

Continuing Funds to Support • Thanks to all those alumni, retired faculty, and faculty who have provided gifts to

The Cleland Fund to support history students’ endeavors in undergraduate research. These gifts honor Dr. Joel Cleland, Professor Emeritus of History.

• We also appreciate donors to The Acorn Fund that honors Dr. Deb Acorn, Professor Emerita of Psychology, for her steadfast commitment to students’ undergraduate research pursuits.

• Any existing scholarship funds in our disciplines. • The Covid-19 Student Crisis Fund that many of you have already supported.

Not sure what to support? The College’s General Fund has many uses to assist faculty, students, and programmatic needs. We appreciate all those that have supported it with your unrestricted gifts. Ideas for new funds? Contact The Lander Foundation or Dean McMillan. To give to any of these funds, visit giving.lander.edu. Thank you for your continued generosity!