Murray Corbett ’13

Murray Corbett is a history major and English minor. During her time at Presbyterian College she has been a member of the Alpha Delta Pi Sorority, served as the Secretary for the school Honor Council, and also trained to become a Bluefish, and is an ordained Stevens Minister on campus. Her favorite thing about PC is the opportunity to get involved in lots of service work. She has served as coordinator for the March of Dimes 5K charity road race and for PC’s Habitat for Humanity chapter. She also volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House, Safe Haven, and the Presbyterian Home, where she paints, plays games, and socializes with the residents. Through the History Department, she has been able to travel abroad on two Spring Break trips to Spain and Costa Rica. Participating in PC’s  Encounters Afar program, she studied the history of the two countries in class and then practiced the language and experienced the culture abroad.

Why did you choose to come to PC and what made you interested in majoring in history?

Ever since I was a little girl, I wanted to go to a major SEC school because I was raised a huge football fan. My Dad suggested I visit a small school as well, and much against my will, I toured PC. That suggestion turned out to have been one of the best things I’ve ever done, because I instantly knew that PC was going to be my home for the next 4 years. During my visit, my whole family met with Dr. Campbell, the head of the department who also happens to be my advisor, and he told us all about the History Department. I learned about the many countries students travel to, the cultural activities of the History Club, and we talked about the many class options there are in the department. I have always loved history, and after that enthusiastic meeting I was hooked: I was going to be a history major and I was going to come to PC. And thank goodness for that decision, because I’ve never looked back.

How would you describe your experience in PC’s History Department?

My experience with the History Department has been so wonderful. From my first day as a student here, I have received support and encouragement from the entire department and have truly appreciated that all of them have taken the time to really know me as a student. This department is incredibly close and works hard to plan activities to pull the majors into a community of self-proclaimed historians, as well as educate us and prepare us all for successful futures. I am lucky to have taken classes with each professor in the department, and have learned so much more than I ever imagined possible.

What advice would you give to students considering coming to PC and majoring in history?

First, I would encourage every student who enjoys history to consider the major. Though the reading and writing has kept me incredibly busy the past three years, I have truly learned. Through working with this department, I have transformed from a painfully shy student into one that knows how to write a convincing paper, tear apart a book, and speak up in class. Most importantly, I know that wherever I end up after graduation, the History Department will help me every step of the way. So I encourage students considering PC, and particularly this department, to visit and ask lots of questions of both professors and currents students to find out if Neville will be their home too.