Internship Location: Joe Adair Outdoor Education Foundation, Laurens Event Planning Intern What she did: Planned and executed a waterfall dedication and donor’s banquet What she learned: I learned through my internship how hard it is for non-profit organizations to raise money. I helped honor the donors by planning a party for them. I practiced using many skills such as computer skills, communication skills, and leadership skills for this event to succeed.   "I am who I am today, both personally and professionally, because PC believe in me." "When I graduated in 1990, I really had no idea of what I wanted to do with my life. I just had faith that something was going to work out. PC provided many leadership opportunities for me as a student that yielded a holistic experience base. Upon graduation, the administration created a full-time position for me in Student Affairs, working with Student Volunteer Services and Minority Affairs. I was beyond elated because I was not ready to leave and I had no idea that this was a potential career. Because PC saw potential in me and gave me a chance, I discovered my passion and what I think is my purpose in life -- and that is working with college students to help them grow and develop and uncover the many possibilities that exist in college and afterwards. I am who I am today, both personally and professionally, because PC believed in me." Dr. Fanchon (Chon) Glover -- Class of 1990 Assistant to the President and Director of Multicultural Affairs The College of William and Mary Williamsburg, Va.

Sociology

Presbyterian College’s sociology department challenges students to increase their awareness of the complexities of different societies. The curriculum is designed to stimulate intellectual growth and prepare students to participate in the local, national and world communities.

Sociology examines the forces that shape our lives, both at the broad societal level and at the level of daily social interaction. It addresses a variety of intellectual as well as policy-related issues and concerns, such as socioeconomic and demographic change, social institution (such as law, medicine, education, the family, politics, the professions), and the structure of social inequality. As a discipline, sociology is concerned with the methods of inquiry as well as with the substance. The sociological approach not only asks questions about social phenomena, but also provides a set of methods for their systematic analysis. A sociological education goes beyond informing students about the structure of societies and social relations, to encourage the development of critical and analytical thinking abilities.

A sociology major does not limit a student to one occupation after graduation, but rather opens the door to a variety of career choices. Many sociology graduates specialize in the wide-ranging field of human services, serving as social workers, youth services coordinators, probation officers, state law enforcement officers, mental health counselors, medical technologists and hospital administrators.

Some graduates work in social research positions in government and industry while others have taken jobs in the fields of business, personnel management, teaching and journalism. Some even continue their education and become lawyers, ministers or social service agency administrators. Students may choose courses to pursue various interests such as social/human services, global studies/international issues, administrative or criminal justice, or graduate studies.

The sociology faculty members serve as the heart of the department, maintaining their scholarly interests through active research programs. The faculty members have received Fulbright grants, as well as fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Other grants have come from Presbyterian College’s faculty development program.
The faculty members work closely with students, challenging them to reach their potential. An array of special programs await to support this challenge.

Interested in a special academic area not covered by available courses? A faculty member may suggest an independent study course. You may also combine library research with an internship through which you’ll apply concepts learned in the classroom. Experience is the best teacher.

You may find yourself conducting independent advanced research, or working side-by-side with one of the faculty members on his/her current research project. Students have presented the results of their findings before professional groups and have competed successfully in student paper competitions.

But the challenge of excellence is not limited to the classroom. Students are encouraged to examine available opportunities to study abroad and gain an understanding of diverse societies. Students also may conduct their own research either by collecting their own data or by using one of the national or international data sets available to them.

The opportunities are only limited to your desire.

The faculty members are quick to point out that academic ecellence should be recognized and rewarded. Students with an exceptional grade point average may be granted membership into Alpha Kappa Delta, the International Sociology Honor Society.