Presbyterian College graduate, Army officer, and future law enforcement leader blends personal experience with academic research to advocate for families
Jy Nunley’s path to the stage at Presbyterian College’s 2025 Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony wasn’t just marked by discipline and determination. It was built on a deep, personal understanding of resilience—one shaped by her own childhood in a single-parent household and her growing desire to serve others, both in uniform and in her community.
Nunley, a sociology major from Camden, South Carolina, graduated from PC on May 10 and was commissioned the day before as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army. She will serve in the transportation branch of the South Carolina Army National Guard.
But for Nunley, the ceremony was more than a career milestone. It was the embodiment of a larger commitment: to protect, uplift, and lead. That commitment will guide her not only in the military but also in her planned future as a law enforcement officer, where she hopes to make a lasting impact through service and advocacy.
From Personal Experience to Academic Passion
Nunley’s senior capstone research focused on the impact of single-parent households on child development—a topic she chose not only because of its relevance in sociology but because it reflects her own upbringing.
“Growing up in a single-parent household with my mother, I experienced firsthand the challenges and resilience that come with that family dynamic,” Nunley said during her capstone presentation. “This personal background inspired my interest in studying how family structure impacts children’s emotional, academic, and social development.”
Her research, drawn from the Future of Families and Child Well-Being Study, analyzed data from children ages 6 to 18. Nunley examined academic performance (measured through GPA), emotional and behavioral health, and peer relationships, comparing outcomes for children from single-parent versus two-parent households.
The results were telling: children from single-parent families showed lower academic performance and higher levels of emotional and behavioral challenges. However, the study also revealed areas of resilience—especially in social relationships—and demonstrated how factors like parental education, income, and community support can buffer negative outcomes.
Bridging Research and Service
For Nunley, the significance of her capstone went beyond the data. It reinforced her belief that leadership should be grounded in empathy and service—a philosophy that shaped her time at PC and will guide her military and law enforcement careers.
“This project reinforced my commitment to public service and community leadership,” she said. “In addition to pursuing a career in law enforcement, I will also be serving in the military. My research strengthened my desire to serve communities both in civilian life and through military service, with a focus on protecting, supporting, and empowering others.”
At PC, Nunley thrived in a challenging but supportive environment. She credits her professors, classmates, and ROTC mentors for helping her develop the confidence and skills she needed to lead.
“PC has challenged me academically and personally,” she said. “The community here has helped me grow into a more confident leader and thinker. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to pursue research that connects to my passions and to prepare for a life of service.”
Commissioned to Lead
On May 9, Nunley joined her fellow cadets from the Highlander Battalion at PC’s annual Army ROTC Commissioning Ceremony. The event marked the culmination of years of hard work, early mornings, and rigorous training—all in preparation for the responsibilities of leading soldiers in the U.S. Army.
Nunley was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the transportation corps, a branch responsible for moving personnel, equipment, and supplies—functions essential to mission success.
Serving in the South Carolina Army National Guard allows Nunley to maintain her civilian ambitions while fulfilling her military obligations. It’s a balance she embraces, one that reflects her desire to serve on multiple fronts.
“I’m proud to join the Army National Guard,” she said. “It allows me to continue developing as a leader while staying connected to my community. Whether I’m in uniform or working in law enforcement, I want to be where I can make the biggest difference.”
A Future in Law Enforcement
Nunley’s ultimate goal is to work in law enforcement, where she hopes to combine her military training, academic insights, and personal passion into meaningful community engagement. She envisions a career focused not only on enforcing the law but on building trust and providing support to families in need.
“I want to serve as a role model and advocate,” she said. “I know what it’s like to face challenges early in life, and I want to be the kind of officer who understands where people are coming from.”
Her capstone research highlighted the need for compassionate leadership—leaders who understand that behind every statistic is a story. As a future law enforcement officer, she aims to bring that perspective into every interaction.
“I believe that research, data, and real-life experience should inform how we approach policing,” Nunley said. “We have to look at the full picture—how families are affected, what communities need, and how we can be part of the solution.”
A Leader with Purpose
Jy Nunley’s journey from a small-town childhood to commissioned officer and aspiring law enforcement leader is marked by courage, purpose, and a deep commitment to serving others. At every step, she has turned her experiences into opportunities for growth—and her challenges into calls to action.
Whether leading troops, supporting families, or shaping policy, Nunley is prepared to serve with the same focus and compassion that have guided her journey so far.
“I’ve been blessed with opportunities to learn, to lead, and to give back,” she said. “Now it’s my turn to make a difference—not just in theory, but in action.”
With her diploma in one hand and her commission in the other, Jy Nunley is ready to do just that.
