BY KATHRYN DOVER
Presbyterian College senior Anna West’s research addresses a simple question – but her work reveals an exciting new future.
West is completing her political science capstone to answer her research question: why do some municipalities have tree ordinances?
“The reason that I wanted to look into this is I am an advocate for local sustainability and local government,” West said. “One of the biggest concerns right now on a global scale is we’re losing urban tree coverage, urban forest, and, so, I kind of wanted to explore why municipalities have tree ordinances in an effort to understand how we can get more municipalities to have tree ordinances.”
West, a Dacula, Ga., resident majoring in biology and political science, has always advocated for trees and sustainability.
“I think there’s a lot of good that can come from tree ordinances,” she said. “There’s not a lot of research in the field right now, so I’m excited to be contributing to something new.”
West randomly sampled 117 municipalities nationwide for her research and mainly looked at current laws from 2012 onward. She focused specifically on cities that already have comprehensive sustainability plans.
“My dependent variable is whether or not a municipality has a tree ordinance, and I’m comparing that to the partisanship of the municipality, the socioeconomic status of the municipality, and then I came up with a measure for institutional support for sustainability,” she said. “Basically, my thought process was if a government institution is more invested in sustainability, they’ll be more likely to have a tree ordinance.”
She then compared whether or not a municipality has a tree ordinance to those variables, also considering population size, forms of local government, and geographical locations. Through this, she examined the factors driving tree ordinances.
“I’ve really looked at more the drivers of tree ordinances,” West said. “Is it because the government institution wants to adopt a tree ordinance because it will benefit them financially? Is it because of a general interest in sustainability? Is it because they have the money to do so? Is it because there are outside groups that are pushing for tree ordinances?”
West is currently analyzing her research.
“I hope the findings will be able to give, both from the academic perspective as well as the practitioner perspective, a little bit more insight into why municipalities make sustainability decisions broadly but also specifically tree ordinances and how that can be applied for the future, how can we get more municipalities to adopt tree ordinances,” West said. “They’ve been proven to be effective, but there’s just so much variation as to whether or not a municipality has one or why they’ve chosen to adopt one.”
West has accepted a job as a lab scientist with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection in the Atlanta metro area.
“My long-term goals are local government sustainability, but I do think that state level environmental protection is a great place to start,” she said. “I’m really excited to use my biology degree and my political science degree.”
Initially, West was interested in PC’s pharmacy program but decided to try the dual degree program in her sophomore year. In addition, she is carrying on a Blue Hose legacy: both her parents graduated from PC. She feels that PC has prepared her for her future career.
“I was interested in their pharmacy program and came in as a biology major, but I think my heart was somewhere else, and around my freshman year, I decided that advocacy for the environment is definitely my calling,” West said. “PC has prepared me for any job.
“I think there’s a lot to be said for a liberal arts education, but I have positioned myself with my biology and political science degrees to have both the expertise in policies and government and also the scientific expertise.”
West will present her findings on April 28, along with other students’ political science capstones.
SENIOR COMPLETES INTERNSHIP WITH PC ALUMNA AT COLUMBIA LAW FIRM
When a current Presbyterian College student wants to explore a particular career path, who can they turn to?
A former Presbyterian College student.
Sarah Loftis, a senior political science major from Lyman, just completed an internship with Burnette Shutt and McDaniel in Columbia under the guidance of PC alumna and associate Grant LeFever ‘13.
As the firm’s first undergraduate intern, Loftis said Burnette Shutt and McDaniel’s reputation for challenging the legal status quo was a major plus.
“The attorneys at this firm have been trailblazers in South Carolina and have achieved notable victories throughout their careers,” she said. “They have been involved in several landmark cases, including those related to same-sex marriage, female participation in contact sports, women attending state-funded colleges of their choice, preventing government agencies from terminating individuals based on their sexual orientation, and safeguarding businesses and licensees in the state.”
LeFever, in particular, was part of the legal team that won its case before the S.C. Supreme Court, striking down the state’s ban on abortion after six weeks of pregnancy.
Loftis attended several cases heard in the Richland County Courthouse in Columbia related to the gender-affirming name and gender marker changes requiring court orders.
“The most memorable aspect of this experience was spending time with the clients while waiting for our cases to be called,” she said. “Additionally, I had the privilege of sitting in on hearings with Grant, where I observed her approach to a case and how she takes notes during client interactions. Grant was thorough in explaining all aspects of the procedures so that I could learn from her processes. This was a remarkable experience that I will always cherish.”
Loftis said she cherishes the relationship she built with her mentor the most.
“Seeing a PC graduate who was once in my current position is very motivating,” she said. “Grant fully lives out the PC motto, ‘While We Live, We Serve,’ within her career and it has been very gratifying to work alongside her. I am very thankful for her mentorship and guidance throughout this semester.”
In addition to shadowing LeFever, Loftis took on a particular project creating a dataset for the firm to assess future litigation – compiling data from settlements and judgments under the state’s insurance reserve fund.
After she graduates this May, Loftis said she plans to take a year off to study for the Law School Admissions Test and then begin applying to law schools.
“Before this internship, I was considering going into corporate law, but this internship has opened my eyes to other types of practices that I am interested in,” Loftis said. “These include employment law, civil rights, education law, and gender-affirming name and gender marker changes. Specifically, I like the work that Grant does to better the lives of LGBTQ+ individuals within our state and beyond.”
Loftis said the internship gave her more than insight into her future. It prepared her for the future.
“This internship has provided me with practical experience in the legal field, allowing me to develop valuable skills and knowledge that can be applied in my future academic and professional pursuits, including communication and client interaction,” she said. “Being able to interact with various pioneer attorneys and staff members has also been valuable as I build my professional network. This experience has also given me a sense of accomplishment and confidence in my abilities, which is useful as I move forward and face new challenges in my life after PC.”
PC SENIORS PRESENT PSYCHOLOGY RESEARCH ON NARCISSISTIC INDIVIDUALS TO INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN BELGIUM
BY SARAH MURPHY
Senior psychology and English majors Sarah Smathers and Sophie Sullinger traveled to Brussels, Belgium to present their honors research, “Investigating the Narcissistic Subtypes’ Parasocial Relationships with Fictional TV Characters,” at the 2023 International Convention of Psychological Science (ICPS) from March 9-11, 2023.
The biennial convention connects an international network of scientists and organizations to promote global interdisciplinary research related to psychology. For students, ICPS presents an opportunity to be exposed to a breadth of knowledge across the various subfields of the discipline, meet like-minded academics and gain experience presenting work in a professional setting.
Smathers and Sullinger’s research is centered around narcissism; they want to better understand the links between the narcissism subtypes and parasocial relationships.
Parasocial relationships are repeated interactions between a viewer and media persona whom the viewer will never meet.
“The research is notable as the study is looking at a subject that has limited background literature,” said Smathers. “It is really interesting and exciting to conduct an exploratory study on a subject that is ongoing.”
“Every moment of the research that was difficult or stressful was completely worth the effort to stand in front of a poster with our names and the PC logo,” said Sullinger. “The opportunities that PC — and the psychology department especially — have provided me are beyond words. I will be forever grateful for them.”
Smathers and Sullinger’s work stemmed from research conducted by PC associate professor Stephanie Freis, Ph.D., whose studies have historically focused on narcissism. Freis served as faculty advisor on the project, guiding the project design and hypotheses as well as teaching the students how to analyze data and draw conclusions to inform theory.
“Everyone at the conference thought Sarah and Sophie were graduate students due to their performance and knowledge level,” said Freis. “I’m very proud of their accomplishments and grateful to be at an institution that supports these learning experiences.”
Aside from presenting their research, Smathers and Sullinger attended symposiums each day. “There was one symposium that particularly interested me, so I headed there and found it hard to even open the door because there were so many people in the small room to learn,” said Smathers. “It was incredible being around that sort of community, with people so engaged and excited about psychology.”
Both Smathers and Sullinger feel grateful to have individuals like this back home at PC, too.
“Dr. Freis is an incredible resource and mentor,” said Sullinger. “She guided us through every step, from asking questions to analyzing statistics to polishing individual phrases in the paper. My favorite aspect of the research is the collaborative team effort; together we achieved far more than we ever could have solo.”
“I can personally attest to the important role that mentors played in my career and, like many of my colleagues, I want to pass on those same opportunities for students to experience themselves,” said Freis. “Getting involved in research at PC can open many new doors for students.”
For more information about psychology at Presbyterian College, visit the department website.
DR. BEN BAILEY IS PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE’S 2023 PROFESSOR OF THE YEAR
April 20, 2023
Assistant professor of political science Dr. Ben Bailey was named Presbyterian College’s 2023 Professor of the Year at the college’s annual Honors Day convocation on Thursday.
Bailey, who also accepted an Excellence in Teaching Award from the S.C. Independent Colleges and Universities on Tuesday, now holds the traditional honor of addressing the Class of 2023 at PC’s commencement on May 13.
Bailey joins an illustrious list of PC Professors of the Year, including six former S.C. Professors of the Year.
“It’s humbling and kind of scary to think that I’ve joined that list of names – names that people most associate with PC,” he said. “These are the professors who willingly serve as ambassadors for the college, so it’s an honor to join them in that cause. I hope I will serve well.”
PC president Dr. Matthew vandenBerg, who co-teaches the college’s Service Entrepreneurship in Action class with Bailey this spring, considers his colleague an exemplary educator and student mentor.
“I have had a front row seat to Dr. Bailey’s extraordinary impact on PC,” vandenBerg said. “He is a gifted educator with a talent for engaging his students and inspiring them to serve their communities through creative problem solving. He embodies the college’s identity as America’s Innovative Service College.”
Bailey will continue to influence service entrepreneurship at PC as the new director of the college’s service entrepreneurship program. In that role, Bailey will oversee the national Service Entrepreneurship Competition each year and develop a structured, dedicated program to help scholarship recipients build tools and a network to implement their ideas successfully.
“I look forward to helping PC find students who have a passion for social entrepreneurship and want to fix problems in their communities,” Bailey said. “Students that don’t just think of the case competition as a way to get a scholarship to a college – but those who have really interesting ideas and reasons for wanting to fix problems.”
Bailey will, of course, continue to teach political science, especially to students searching for a different way to serve their communities. In recent years, he said, students are discovering greater purpose serving at the grassroots, local government level instead of considering national politics as their only avenue for success.
Bailey began his professional career in public administration working for Cook County in Illinois before realizing that he would teach others about political science rather than work in government himself. But as Bailey considers how his students might find their futures in public administration, it is clear he would much rather talk about them than himself – as great professors do.
“I like seeing students coming into political science thinking they want to be a senator or got to work in D.C. find that spark and take their motivation to change and improve their own communities,” he said. “I love when students realize, I don’t have to go to Washington to change things. I can do it here.”
Bailey said PC’s emphasis on service attracts students who want to do more than identify problems. They want to fix them.
“They’re very solution oriented,” he said. “They want to fix things. They’re less about having a great career at a company and working their way up to become the boss and the CEO. They want to solve problems and work towards solutions that are innovative. That are interesting. And I think that’s why this kind of service entrepreneurship and the kind of re-orientation that students are having in political science go hand in hand.”
In addition to thanking his students and peers for inspiring him as Professor of the Year, Bailey thanked his spouse, Julio Flores, for his support and his mother for teaching him never to go through the motions.
PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE CELEBRATES HONORS DAY 2023
April 20, 2023
Presbyterian College’s annual Honors Day celebration put the spotlight on the college’s brightest academicians Thursday.
In addition to the Honors Day Symposium featuring student research, PC also announced award winners during its annual Honors Day convocation.
Assistant professor of political science Dr. Ben Bailey was formally named PC Professor of the Year, while Kennedy Bailey Wright was named the 2023 Outstanding Senior. Both will address the Class of ’23 at PC’s commencement ceremony on May 13.
Assistant professor of biology Dr. Margo Petukh was this year’s convocation keynote speaker. In her address, “Unleashing the Power of Ideas: Embracing Authenticity for Personal and Professional Growth,” Petukh said ideas have the ability to shape the world and influence beliefs and values.
“Many of the significant changes in human history have been the result of a single idea – democracy, human rights, and scientific breakthroughs,” she said.
Hard work, dedication, and the pursuit of new knowledge and experiences give fruit to ideas that challenge presumptions and the status quo.
“While experience can be challenging, it’s through these experiences that we gain wisdom and knowledge and deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us,” Petrukh said. “The more you know, the more questions you have. The more you know, the more you realize how much we actually don’t know.”
Petrukh encouraged everyone to embrace their own unique qualities and individual talents in the pursuit of new ideas.
“You can change the world by being creative, bold, and being yourself,” she said. “Don’t be afraid to take risks, try new things, and challenge the status quo. And, most of all, know that you are not alone. There are others who share your passion, who share your dreams, and who are willing to stand by your side as you pursue your goals.”
In addition to Bailey, several other PC faculty members were recognized for their academic work this year.
Assistant professor of psychology Dr. Stephanie Freis was named this year’s Dr. Kenneth B. Orr Faculty Research Fellow. The Orr Fellowship was created in memory of Orr, the college’s president emeritus, who passed away in 2016.
This year’s Dr. Robert H. Freymeyer Award for Meritorious Scholarship was presented to professor of biology Dr. Mike Rischbieter. The Freymeyer Award was created in honor of professor emeritus of sociology Dr. Bob Freymeyer, who spearheaded PC’s creation of the Honors Day Symposium and was a champion for student research.
PC students, particularly members of the Class of ’23, were honored, including the following:
Departmental Awards
Outstanding Senior in Accounting – Colleen Alyce Hirt
Outstanding Senior in Analytics – Owen Cooper McCormack
Outstanding Senior in Art – Taylor Nicole Cunningham
Outstanding Senior in Biochemistry – Liliana Irene Jaraczewski
Outstanding Senior in Biology – Itzel Martinez-Garcia Coria
Outstanding Senior in Chemistry – S’Agee Lamont Eason
Outstanding Senior in Communications Studies – Mitchell Jackson Mercer
Outstanding Senior in Computer Science – Abigail Ann Sparkman
Outstanding Senior in Creative Writing – Hayley Alice Steves
Outstanding Senior in Economics – Ndrin Maloku
Outstanding Senior in Education – Dessa Elizabeth Jones
Outstanding Senior in English – Sophia Catherine Sullinger
Outstanding Senior in French – Emma Kate Bradley
Outstanding Senior in History – Ciera Marie Carter
Outstanding Senior in Management – Kennedy Bailey Wright
Outstanding Senior in Mathematics – Hayley Alice Steves
Outstanding Senior in Physics – Dylan Joseph Harrell
Outstanding Senior in Political Science – Sarah Faith Loftis
Outstanding Senior in Psychology – Elaine Isabella Powers
Outstanding Senior in Religion – Ava Louise Ward
Outstanding Senior in Spanish – Jessica Elizabeth Ferqueron
Outstanding Senior in Sociology – Bryanna Marie Brady
College Service and Community Awards
Jack and Jane Presseau Community Service Award – Dessa Elizabeth Jones
Fraternity Scholastic Award – Theta Chi
Sorority Scholastic Award – Alpha Delta Pi
American Legion Awards – Sarah Faith Lollis and George Creighton Coleman Taylor
Creative Writing Award – Ariane Malfait
Joseph O. Nixon Leadership Award – Ashlyn Caroline Getway
Billy Tiller Award – Keegan Douglas Halloran
Frank Dudley and Catherine Wyman Jones Award – James Wilson Armstrong
Harry S. Dent Christian Lay Leadership Award – Kennedy Elise Perry
Fraser Bible Award – Patrick Alexander Buchanan
Hay Bible Award – Morgan Rene’ Berry
Joseph Graham Miller Award – Owen Cooper McCormack
Jane Hammet Award – Liliana Irene Jaraczewski
Wall Street Journal Award – Caroline Tate Morgan
Jean Kirkley Award – Kathryn Elizabeth Dover
Dr. Eric A. Johnson Fellows – Elaine Isabella Powers, Sarah Elizabeth Smathers, Brandon John Stiff, and Sophia Catherine Sullinger
Senior Achievement Awards
James Wilson Armstrong
Annie Griffin Blakely
Paige Cecilia Cairns
Marie Ciera Carter
Itzel Martinez-Garcia Coria
Grace Danielle Durham
Mary-Charlotte Dusa
Gabriella Morgan Evans
Ashlyn Caroline Getway
Liliana Irene Jaraczewski
Dessa Elizabeth Jones
Ainslie Claire Lane
Sarah Faith Loftis
Cassandra R. Lopez
Elaine Isabella Powers
Gracen Irene Price
Sarah Elizabeth Smathers
Hayley Alice Steves
Brandon John Stiff
Sophie Catherine Sullinger
George Creighton Coleman Taylor
Hannah Christine Watts
Megan Danielle Whisonant
Anna Marie Wicker
Megan Alexander Wilson
Jackson Andrew Wright
Kennedy Bailey Wright
Academic Excellence Awards
Alexandria Nicole Addy
Lauren Elisabeth Andrews
James Wilson Armstrong
Benjamin Blanton Bayles
Katherine Ruth Bazemore
Anne Griffin Blakely
Amirah Kai Boyd
Emma Katherine Bradley
Jacob Levi Brasseur
Paige Cecilia Cairns
Ciera Marie Carter
Kenedie Taylor Conaway
Angel Malenga Pearl Cooke
Taylor Nicole Cunningham
Kyle Wayne Decker
Grace Danielle Durham
Marcus Reagan Fowler
Anna Catherine Fuller
Ashlyn Caroline Getway
Colleen Alyce Hirt
Tayler Patricia Hofmeister
Chase Lee Hughes
Riley Jaymes Hulett
Mallorie Aspen Jaeger
Liliana Irene Jaraczewski
Dessa Elizabeth Jones
Mayah Codyn Lee
Patrick Ronald Leonard
James Crawford McCollum
Owen Cooper McCormack
John Allen McMahon
Mitchell Jackson Mercer
Caroline Tate Morgan
Elaine Isabella Powers
Kiersten Alyssa Price
Taryn Mikaela Rolnik-Tomaszewski
Hannah Michael Ryder
Olivia Marie Sadorf
Sarah Elizabeth Smathers
Victoria Marie Snyder
Hayley Alice Steves
Isabelle Raye Stichnoth
Brandon John Stiff
Benjamin Loftis Stone
Sophia Catherine Sullinger
Margaret Stewart Wannamaker
Madison Ann Watkins
Hannah Christine Watts
Anna Claire West
Emmalyn Caroline Williams
Megan Alexandra Wilson
Megan Danielle Whisonant
Kennedy Bailey Wright
