Category Archives: Field Report 1: Alumni Profile

Ann Horner and the Vastness of the English Major

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In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth… and books.

“Narratives [make] it clear that we think, act, and communicate in terms of narratives, and each interpretation, understanding, or model of how the world operates begins with a story.”

Ann Horner throughout her life has loved reading. Her passion began with Nancy Drew books which she read voraciously. This love was aided by her bibliophile father who lended her copies of classic literature, such as Gulliver’s Travels and Call of the Wild. Horner felt reading was a logical hobby in the same way breathing was a logical` hobby… “it just made sense”.

Horner’s love of reading led her to what she describes as a ‘no doubter’ decision to major in English. Similarly to the current cultural feelings around higher education, Horner’s contemporaries were all focused on a business major.

Much as Benjamin Schmidt describes in his 2018 article “The Humanities are in Crisis”, “While coverage of individual academic disciplines like musicology, history, or comparative literature often deals with the substance of scholarship, talk of the humanities in general always seems to focus on their imminent extinction.”

Paving her own path, Horner began a foray in English, despite a self-proclaimed weakness in dissecting literature.

Ann Horner Named Executive Director of Development

Success despite adversity

Ann Horner began her college career in the teaching tract hoping to inspire the next generation. It was throughout this journey that she soon realized that her passion did not reside in teaching as she once thought. Due to this sudden change in her career path, she was left with very little plan for her upcoming future. Despite working throughout her college career as a Resident Assistant, Secretary, and an assistant at an Art Gallery; Ann Horner was left with very little options upon graduation.

Handwork and a rigorous application process found her working in the admissions program at Coker College. In this role she found herself working more in what she considered ‘marketing’… that is persuading students to come to the college through informal written mediums. This skill would become the crux of her professional career, but more on that later.

After Horner’s time at Coker, she was married which brought her to the beautiful state of Pennsylvania. Ann Horner then became a paralegal writing briefs and wills while working closely with family law. In this occupation she gained a keen sense of interpersonal relationships and how to connect with individuals.

After her divorce, Horner went to Penn State to pursue a masters in higher education. It was after receiving this degree that she began to work at her new Alma Mater in fundraising. In this portion of her career she once again used her excellent people skills to converse with donors on how they would like to allocate their money. Horner further used her English tutelage to write agreements to donors to assure that their agreements were concrete and conducive to a continuing relationship. Horner continued this career path among many different institutions becoming the Director of Development at the University of North Carolina, the Duke University Medical Center, and the Executive Director of Development at NC State’s College of Education.

Upon being asked why she enjoyed this career path Horner said, “I loved not having to use sparkly writing”

Advice from Ann

Ann Horner has had a unique perspective on the viability of an English Degree. Any self-respecting English major would beg for her vast array of advice, but Ann enjoys to keep it simple and straight forward… “Find out what you’re good at and talk to people”. To Ann the true viability of English is not in its writing but in the core approach it provides in analyzing the world and seeing possibilities. As her career started she dreamed of being a teacher only to realize the profession was not for her. This did not dissuade her as she found through trial and error a profession that is both fulfilling and viable for her skill set. Horner persuades English Majors to find their “perfect match” and to not stay stuck in a profession simply because of its comfortability.

“You’ll figure it out if you explore a bit”- Ann Horner

Alumni Profile: Jared Shapiro

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In the beginning of his book, You Can Do Anything, George Anders tells the story of Josh Sucher, a college graduate who had no idea how to find a job. The chapter is titled, “Explorers,” it follows Josh Sucher, and highlights the values and intricacies of a liberal arts degree. Like most students with a liberal arts degree, Josh Sucher creates his own path, winding and networking from one field to another. From the outside, it may seem like a liberal arts major wanders mindlessly from job to job, testing out one field and then moving onto the next. But in reality, the unrestricted journey of shape-shifting in professional environments is inherently part of the career for those that hold a liberal arts degree, especially English. 

Many English majors define themselves as curious people. In many ways, curiosity is the driving force that propels the English major forward. What unites the liberal arts degree holders is the avant-garde spirit that yearns to learn, experience, and know more. George Anders begs you to “come at your career with a pioneering spirit, and gain the confidence of steadily building up your strengths.” We can all learn from his story about Josh and let curiosity continue to “tug [us] in unpredictable ways.” 

Just as Anders portrays, an English graduate from The College of Charleston, Jared Shapiro, encounters an almost identical experience. When he frist started at College of Charleston, he encountered a sort of identity crisis because he didn’t know what direction his life was headed. He was advised by his older brother to “go the practical route” and study math and business. For three weeks of his sophomore year, Shapiro was a business major and switched out right before the window closed because he just didn’t like it. He knew that he always had a love for English so with the help of awesome professors like Mike Duvall, he was able to seize opportunities through the English department.

With the driving forces of curiosity and a desire to experience more, after graduating from CofC, Shapiro applied to join the Peace Corps. He was determined to utilize both of his majors, English and French. When he was accepted into the Peace Corps, he was sent over to Togo, a Francophone West African nation neighboring Ghana. There, Shapiro taught English to French-speaking students. He enjoyed the incredible experience but knew it woud not last forever.

When Shapiro came back to the United States after one year of working in Togo, he moved to Washington DC. Here, he was an Account Executive at Qorvis, a global advisory firm with based in Middle Eastern countries. The company “navigates the headwinds of a rapidly changing stakeholder economy and anticipates what’s next in the increasingly volatile geopolitical landscape.” 

After Shapiro joined the Peace Corps, his goals were “very short term.” He says that his plan was to “make as much money for as little stress as possible.” This was absolutely not the case for him, unfortunately. As you can probably tell from the Qorvis’ company description, it is certainly a high-stakes professional environment. Shapiro described it as a “pressure cooker.” Quickly, he saw the repercussions of working in high pressure organization doing crisis and global issues work. Although this work was highly demanding of him, he says the “benefits of the pressure cooker sometimes outweigh the stress.” 

Shapiro stayed at Qorvis for two years and three months, working his way up to Account Supervisor. He engaged with federal agencies, congress, and the media. Shapiro says he never saw himself as someone who would work in communications or public relations, but

“my English major was super useful. My ability to synthesize complicated arguments into something that was understandable came naturally after all of the things we did in English.” 

After Qorvis, Shapiro moves to a large pharmaceutical company called Syneos. Interestingly he was recruited through LinkedIn. Shapiro stresses the value of networking through LinkedIn– he was actually recruited by Syneos and quickly got the job there. Here, he starts as an Account Supervisor doing writing and research. After about a year of working there, he took a promotion to an Account Director doing management and overseeing the communications for the company. Shapiro discusses how significant role changes in your career is not something you necessarily learn as an English major, or in college, for that matter.

But, after speaking with him, I am inclined to believe that adaptability and versatility are the defining skills of an English major.

After conversing with him, my biggest takeaway was how he stressed that you learn from the companies you work for, as you go. 

Like Josh Sucher from George Ander’s You Can Do Anything, Jared Shapiro is the ultimate explorer. He has the skillset and abilities to shape-shift and adapt based on the professional environment he is in. Interestingly, he never thought he would end up working in a corporate environment. In many ways he still sees himself as a grungy, gritty, college kid who is still creating his professional career path. 

Ten Toes Down: Alumni Profile on Abigail Harmon

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In John Milton’s Paradise Lost, he describes the world before the fall through monistic theory, arguing that God and all his creations are one and the same. This notion can be found in a particularly peculiar scene where Adam has the angel Raphael over for lunch. In this, we better understand Adam’s character, what he believes his place in the world is, and the reality of his place. In two instances, Adam mentions to Raphael that his “lowly” home and “food not of angels” must not compare to what they eat in Heaven, continually undermining and belittling his offerings and experience compared to the angels. To which Raphael replies with a beautifully encrypted metaphor:

Paradise Lost Book V, lines 469-490

In this excerpt, Raphael uses the example of a flower to help Adam better understand his relationship with God. He explains that everything God has created is a part of him, just with “various degrees” of his spirit. He goes even further to say that those who are “nearer to him placed” or “nearer tending” are those who are more spiritous and, therefore, more pure. This insinuates that Adam has the ability to “tend nearer” to God. Although Adam is more body than spirit compared to God and his angels, the more Adam connects to his spirit, the closer he will be to God and, ultimately, the purer he will become.

This notion is extremely similar to an important concept that drives my life and is something I have been taught throughout it: spiritual alignment.

“Spiritual alignment is the process of aligning your thoughts, words, and actions with your highest truth.”

Similarly, the deep inspiration derived from Milton’s works and following the inward contemplation of alignment is what got Abigail Harmon, an English major alum from the College of Charleston, to where she is today.

After graduating from CofC in 2011, Abigail went straight to graduate school at Regent College in Vancouver, where she studied Theology. Her father, being a theologian himself, is one of the things that propelled her to choose this path. After graduating, she took some time away from school to really figure out how she wanted to use her degrees in her professional life.

It was during this time that Abigail really began to ask important questions about herself. What was she drawn to? What was she inspired by? In what moments did she feel most like herself? In this recollection, she realized she wanted to return to school to get her counseling degree and study therapy. It seemed to her that the common theme strung throughout her passions, her time being an English major at CofC, her graduate studies in theology, and her new mission of becoming a therapist had one important piece connecting them all: a deep love and appreciation for humanity.

Abigail realized she was drawn to understanding how people organized themselves and behaved societally throughout history and found that she cared deeply for people’s individual stories and backgrounds. In making the decision on where to go next, she states she paid close attention to “the moments in [her] life when she felt most like Abigail, the moments that made [her] feel completely centered.” In this reflection of herself and what purpose seemed to align with her the most, she asked:

“When do I feel like I have ten toes on the floor? In what moments do I feel completely in my body? When I’m present and when I feel alive…and it was when I was listening to someone.”

It was then that her next step felt clear. During the 2020 pandemic, Abigail got another master’s degree in mental health counseling at Walden University. Now, with her English degree and her master’s in theology and counseling, she currently has a private and group counseling practice and also does ghostwriting on the side. In her private practice, she focuses on helping people who have religious trauma, climate anxiety/depression, and those in the LGBTQ community. As a deep thinker and feeler herself, through her practice, she creates a safe and understanding space for those who feel easily misunderstood by the grandness of their emotions. As a therapist, she is dedicated to helping people be their “open, easy, wise, quirky, kiss-ass” selves, that is their natural state of being.

When asked if she had any regrets throughout her professional career, she took a second to wonder. After a couple moments of silence, she was surprised by her own answer: No. Everything she did, everything she learned, and everything she experienced genuinely helped her not only become the person she is but also the professional person she is today. She explains:

“My robust background in theological studies allowed me to adapt to any theological belief system that walks in the room. I can adapt and understand all the nuances of their different belief systems, specifically within Christianity but also just in world religions in general. And I just can’t overstate how well literature has prepared me for being a therapist. I’m so, so much more able to not only have the vocabulary to help people, but a lot of times, people just need the right language and being able to supply that for somebody who’s searching for the right word or can’t identify how they feel, I mean, it is like a weight comes off their shoulders. So simplifying language, having the vocabulary to articulate feelings, and being a keen listener. That’s what you’re doing when you’re reading and writing. You’re paying attention.” 

In a passage from Ramsey and Grobman’s Major Decisions: College, Career, and the Case for the Humanities,” in their chapter called “Beyond Jobs and Careers: The Enduring Value of the Humanities,” the authors dive into the significance of an English degree in contributing to the collective welfare. They explain that pursuits in intellectual, artistic, and moral avenues possess a unique inherent value. These endeavors not only enhance people’s personal lives but enrich the lives of those around you, as seen through Abigail’s story and private practice.

When Abigail reflected back on her time at CofC, there was one class in particular that changed the trajectory of her life: ENGL 306 John Milton.

Yes, studying Milton’s works and writings was a deeply inspiring feat, but what made this class truly special was its professor, William Russell. Not only did he teach this class with such poised enthusiasm, but the way he listened to his students left lasting effects on Abigail.

The deep care and attention to detail Professor Russell has with everything he does distills a sense of belonging and inherent support for his students. For Abigail, being in his class helped her trust that she did, in fact, have a lot to contribute. This class taught her that she had important opinions and things to say and that they were worth sharing with the world. As she learned more from Professor Russell, she began to understand herself better and pay attention to the moments when she felt most aligned within herself.

“He really saw me as a student, not just as a student, but just for who I am.”

Professor Russell’s centered presence in the room, his bright enthusiasm, his heartfelt understanding, and his open-minded attention to each student were a source of inspiration for Abigail. She, too, wanted to hold this space for people.

“I remember wanting to be more like him, so here I am.”

An Interview of Unreasonable Conversation with Mary Alice Miller

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 In his book “What Color is Your Parachute,” Richard N. Bolles writes that “storytelling is one of the most powerful techniques you can use in a job interview. Stories are memorable and illuminating…think about stories that illustrate [your] skills, knowledge, and personality traits.” This mirrors advice College of Charleston alumna Mary Alice Miller often gives to clients of her storytelling advisory—thought-leaders, artists, entertainers, politicians, and more who solicit her for collaborations on stage and screen, in print, online, and elsewhere. 

“A great story opens up worlds previously unknown even to ourselves,” Miller says from Costa Rica, where she has just worked with a client, the renowned psychotherapist, Esther Perel, on an immersive retreat and the content for Perel’s upcoming live tour. Miller’s next stop is Los Angeles for “A Day of Unreasonable Conversation,” a social impact conference which demonstrates dialogue on the most pressing issues of our time. The invitation-only audience consists of 500 top Hollywood screenwriters, showrunners, and network executives. Miller is the executive director of editorial and programming for the whole event.

Miller entered the College of Charleston in 2008 during America’s worst financial crisis. Against well-meaning advice, she double-majored in English and Fine Arts with three concentrations. She chose extracurriculars that didn’t obviously translate to job prospects but deepened her storytelling skills. She hosted a radio show, became president of the English Club, “Literati,” and worked as a campus tour guide. 

Storytelling is an influential skill that many humanities majors have, but as one approaches graduation, the prevailing story we tell ourselves is often one of distress. It can even feel like lying. This is how Miller felt while preparing her commencement speech to the 2012 class. “It was really intense having to hold two truths with equanimity; I’m so proud to be in this position but I also feel unqualified to be telling anyone what to do or how to be right now,” she said.

Filled with doubt, fear, and anticipatory grief, she turned to the English Department for support. Two professors gave feedback on her drafts. Fellow English club members helped her rehearse. “In the afternoon ceremony, the English Department was seated right by me at the podium. So much of being able to give that speech had to do with their support.”

Fresh-faced out of college, Miller began working at Condé Nast for Vanity Fair. “People ask if my job was like ‘The Devil Wears Prada.’ Sometimes it was.” Miller worked on long-form investigative stories, art and design features, cultural and political op-eds, books, conference programming, and special projects such as documentaries and art exhibitions. “I worked there for nearly a decade and received a phenomenal education,” she says, not regretting the decision to forego journalism school. “Magazines are a hard business, even more so now, but I will always love them and the people who make them,” she says.

“The media industry has been undergoing massive transformation and there is no journalist who hasn’t experienced trauma associated with that,” says Miller. “I’m sure that makes it really hard for aspiring journalists. The path has changed but that’s not inherently a bad thing.” Starting in 2018, Miller witnessed six rounds of company-wide layoffs at Condé Nast. “I saw some of the greatest American magazine editors in every department get told to empty their offices by 5 pm; it was brutal,” she says. “I got the call two months into the pandemic, in lockdown, surrounded by death and sirens. It was one of the worst moments of my life.” 

The pandemic caused devastating effects on Miller, including the loss of her home. “The security of corporate publishing had been an illusion for a while, but I was forced to wake up to it. And in this waking life, I felt a new and unprecedented autonomy and hope.” She began publishing articles in WIRED and New York Magazine, and could finally say yes to people who reached out asking if she was available to edit their book or produce a podcast together. Some were people she had already worked with, such as the photographer Mark Seliger, with whom she has written two books, a short film, and commercial work. Others were “professional blind dates” set up by friends.

George Anders talks a lot about the power of networking especially within your alumni community in “You Can Do Anything.” “Your greatest allies: thousands of alumni from your college understand what little-known fields are booming, who is hiring, where you can get an interview, and how to get a job” (203). Miller hopes aspiring storytellers who are about to become fellow CofC alumni know they are welcome in her network.

Many people assume that there are limited job opportunities for someone who has a degree in English, or the opportunities are lackluster, but Miller proves this wrong. “I fell ass-backwards into entrepreneurship, much like my parents, who warned me that starting your own business is not an easier path, but it is so worth it.”

Graduating means moving into a cloud of uncertainty. For storytellers, the challenges in modern media–including the impact of artificial intelligence–are enough to make English majors wonder if they chose the right field of study. Whether your fears are technological-based or rooted in insecurity, Miller argues that your abilities can work for you. “A.I. is fantastic for so many things, including quickly gathering information and arranging it in legible sentences, and it is only going to get better. But it is not you. Even trained on your writing, you are the writer. It’s good to cultivate confidence around your style, about the way you talk, about how you create. People need storytellers, every industry needs storytellers, humanity needs storytellers,” she says, driving home that integrity, quality, curiosity, and confidence in your work are your greatest assets. 

The graduating class of 2024 should find solace in Miller’s experiences; through uncontrollable circumstances, Miller has made a rockstar life for herself. “Since many of the traditional frameworks have changed so drastically, you may be asking yourself what you’re supposed to do with all these skills,” she says. “Your skills as an English major are applicable to so many industries. Sometimes it just looks like making your own path.”

Not a Typical English Student: A Profile on Andrew Siegrist

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Andrew Siegrist is not your ordinary English major. When he first got to the College of Charleston, he had never been a part of any literary scenes before. He found his love for literature in his late teens. Gabriel García Márquez’s works made him realize that he wanted to take a shot at being a writer himself. Siegrist threw himself into the literary world of Charleston, going to readings and libraries, allowing him to get accustomed to reading and writing, truly develing into an entire other universe he had never been a part of before. 

“It was my introduction to a whole different world that I hadn’t had any experience with.”

SIEGRIST TALKING ABOUT HIS LITERARY EXPERIENCE AT COFC

The creative scene helped Siegrist through his artistic journey; the literary program at Charleston is where he genuinely fell in love with writing. The workshops of short fiction and poetry were very impactful to his career now, with professors such as Bret Lot and Anthony Varallo working with him to help hone his skills and inspire Siegrist to continue down the writing path. 

After attending the attending the College of Charleston, Siegrist started working various construction jobs, trying to figure out how to continue his writing passion while also providing for it. One night, Siegrist was watching television when he came across an advertisement for a graduate program. He described the advertisement as writers coming together and creating stories, looking for ways to make them better. Siegrist, who had spent the entire day spackling a roof in 20-degree weather, wanted to jump at the chance to make his work better. Thus began Siegrist’s time at the Creative Writing Workshop program at New Orleans University.

Talking more about his time at graduate school, Siegrist said attending the program helped his writing career as much as it was possible. He details his time there as setting aside two to three years that are dedicated to creating written works and editing said works with fellow aspiring writers. After completing graduate school, Siegrist started doing what every young graduate writer would do: trying to get published. Siegrist eventually got his collection of short stories published in 2021 through a short fiction collection contest that he had won. The collection of short stories was actually his thesis that he completed in graduate school, which he had submitted the year prior to no avail. We Imagined It Was Rain was published by Hub City Press in 2021, a series of loosely connected short stories that explore the human mind and spirit.

Siegrist’s career journey is definitely not ordinary, but it seems that no English major’s career journey is. When I first asked questions dealing with the topic of the viability of majoring in English, Siegrist’s initial response was that he was a bad English student. While I was certain that was not the case, he elaborated further on how he struggled with analytic essays and close readings but thrived in workshops and writing. After the initial response of how the English major was viable for him, Siegrist gave me a response that let me know he wasn’t a bad English student like he had labeled himself as. Siegrist talked about how being an English major means that you get to explore worlds and people different from your own, taking the time to understand them and their actions, which expands empathy.

Being able to forge connections with characters from the 1800s and characters from a whole other universe is something truly unique to the English major. We joked that “extra empathy” sticks with us after we put down each written work. As I brought up the situation of finding myself making backstories about strangers I pass along the street and then making myself feel bad for said stranger because of the tragic backstory that I made up, Siegrist admitted that he finds himself doing the same thing. Reading works of literature expands one’s morality, which is a topic that has been debated greatly in the literary past but also within our own classroom. As Gregory Currie, in his own article that surrounding the debate on the connection of morality and literature, states, “Literature helps us, in other words, to be, or to come closer to being, moral ‘experts.’” While I wouldn’t call anyone an expert on morality, from my conversation with Siegrist and my own experience as an English major, I can say that literature allows us a greater understanding of the people and the world we live in.

“Especially now with everything going on with the world, having empathy is important as it has ever been.”

Siegrist talking about the value of empathy

Siegrist now spends his time as a farm manager, where he says that even in that specific form of employment, there are some elements that he finds more naturally than others because of the English major. Showing another great value of majoring in English, which is also shown in the Degrees at Work file, which shows the numerous jobs that various majors can go to and looks at the patterns which different majors follow in their career journey. The information report showed and stated that “language and philosophy jobs go into a broad array of jobs.” The major is so vast that there are so many diverse jobs and sets of skills that come with it. So while Andrew Siegrist may not seem like your typical English major, he is actually a perfect example of one. 

Alumni Profile: Carey Ann Campbell

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Field Report #1: ​​Alumni Profile

Carey Ann Campbell, Chief Executive Officer at Southern Tide

Carey Campbell, an accomplished Chief Executive Officer, currently holds the helm at Southern Tide, a national apparel company inspired by the coastal lifestyle. With a wealth of experience garnered from previous roles at both Southern Tide and Belk, Mrs. Campbell brings a dynamic skill set and a deep understanding of the retail industry that helps her lead her team with empathy.

In the bustling landscape of retail and leadership, Carey Ann Campbell stands out as a beacon of inspiration and success. With Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature/Letters, her educational background speaks volumes about her proficiency in communication, critical analysis, and creative thinking. Her career trajectory is a testament to the enduring value of a liberal arts education, coupled with a wealth of industry experience.

Mrs. Campbell, the esteemed CEO of Southern Tide, attributes much of her remarkable success and professional growth to the invaluable support of her professional network, mentors, and industry leaders. Drawing from her own experiences, Mrs. Campbell emphasizes the pivotal role that mentors have played in her career trajectory. This influence has led her to become a dedicated mentor herself, paying forward the guidance and wisdom she has received.

A firm believer in the mantra “Nothing’s too big!”, Carey Ann Campbell encourages individuals to share their aspirations openly with their network. She believes that by articulating one’s goals, whether they seem grand or ambitious, one can harness the collective power of their network to achieve these objectives. This philosophy underscores Mrs. Campbell’s approach to both her personal and professional life, where open communication and collaboration have been instrumental in her success.

Known for her natural curiosity and insatiable appetite for learning, Mrs. Campbell embarked on the path to becoming the CEO of Southern Tide with determination and a hunger for growth. Her relentless pursuit of knowledge and willingness to seek guidance from mentors have been central to her journey to the top of the corporate ladder.

In George Anders’ book “You Can Do Anything,” he proposes that “your greatest allies [are] thousands of alumni from your college who can assist you at each stage of your journey.” In our digitally connected world, regardless of location, we are closer than ever to “a network of career allies.” In my discussion with Mrs. Campbell, I discovered that her resourcefulness played a pivotal role in shaping her career. With her innate curiosity and eagerness for continuous learning, she cultivated relationships with mentors and embraced “a willingness to seek assistance.” She attributes her achievements to the mentors who guided her through various stages of her professional endeavors. As Anders outlines in his book, “You simply need to take the initiative and become comfortable with seeking out new connections.” My conversation with Mrs. Campbell affirmed the truth in this statement!

Her advice to young professionals aspiring to leadership roles is simple yet profound: “Share those goals because people want to help you get there.” This guidance reflects her belief in the power of mentorship and the supportive nature of professional networks. By vocalizing ambitions and seeking guidance, individuals can tap into a wealth of knowledge and experience that can propel them towards their desired outcomes.

In her role as CEO, Carey Ann Campbell not only leads with strategic vision but also embodies the essence of an English major. Her passion for language and storytelling, honed during her studies, continues to drive success in unexpected ways. From crafting compelling narratives for the brand to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation, Mrs. Campbell’s background in English has been a guiding force in her leadership style.

Carey Ann Campbell’s journey from an English student at the College of Charleston to a visionary CEO is a testament to the enduring value of an English education. Her story showcases how the skills cultivated through the study of literature—such as critical thinking, communication, and creativity—can serve as a strong foundation for success in the business world and beyond. Mrs. Campbell’s career trajectory exemplifies the transformative power of mentorship, the importance of sharing goals, and the lasting impact of a passion for lifelong learning.

In Today’s News

Mrs. Campbell serves as

A distinguished alumni and current president-elect for the COFC Club representing the Greenville/Upstate area. (Souce)

Mrs. Campbell participated in the annual Women in Retail Leadership Summit (WIRLS), a C-Suite Panel, which brings together industry leaders to discuss topics such as the current business environment, how they’re positioning their businesses to succeed, and what they’re doing to empower the next generation of women leaders. (Source)

As a USC Retailing Executive Advisory Board member, Mrs. Campbell shares advice with Retailing students.

(Source)

Morgan Insley, the Law, and the Value of an English Degree

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“Keep trying to find what you love to do… If you don’t know what that is, it’s okay, just keep trying different things and you will find it.”

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“Oh, so you want to be a teacher?” 

If you’ve ever talked to a college student, you can bet that they’ve been asked that at least ten times. In 2024, students and parents alike are increasingly worried about the viability of an English degree in the workforce. After the 2008 recession, STEM fantasies filled the heads of Americans, and images of Starbucks baristas took over what it meant to be a Humanities student. George Anders, Senior Linkedin Editor and author of “You Can Do Anything: The Surprising Power of a ‘Useless’ Liberal Arts Education,” tells numerous stories of students itching to learn about the classics telling their professors that their “parents wouldn’t let [them]” study the humanities –  “[t]hey have become understandably fixated on starting salaries and the supposedly safe majors that will make college pay off.”

Long gone were the ivory tower ideals of academia, the values of a well-rounded education destroyed. 

All that mattered in this market were job skills. Professional school. Morgan Insley, a student at the College of Charleston from 2009 to 2013, saw this dilemma. She majored in English, studying a wide variety of literature and media, from classic British literature to contemporary Jane Austen mediums. Even though these aren’t necessarily classes that seem valuable to a career-driven market, Insley knew her plan: go to law school and become a practicing attorney.

Morgan’s headshot for Blanco Tackabery

Insley finished up her senior year and headed straight to the Charlotte School of Law, graduating in 2016. What she quickly found was that the classes most people would have thought were ridiculous were actually what helped her graduate fourth in her class, summa cum laude. Further, she was able to intern for Justice Paul Newby of the North Carolina Supreme Court and was on Law Review, one of the most prestigious extracurriculars in law school.

While her classmates were struggling to adapt to the complex and often counterintuitive new writing styles, Morgan was quickly finding her stride, “and would not have succeeded without [her] English background.”

But Morgan’s writing skills weren’t the only thing she learned from being an English major at the College. She felt that the major opened up her eyes to social issues around the world – especially through Dr. Simon Lewis’s African Women Writers class. As a senior, Morgan chose to write a bachelor’s essay on madness in Black female literature. The ideas that she was exposed to through the English major inspired change in how she saw the world – and not in a corny way, in a real and honest way that pushed her to explore many passions.

In his book, “You Can Do Anything,” George Anders calls these skills the “rapport sector” – the ability to explore all options, and to make “wise decisions amid the ambiguity and murky information that machines can’t stand.” These are the X Factor skills that set English majors apart; the “pioneering spirit” that fits so well into the American Dream.

Because CofC’s English major is so fluid, Morgan felt that “you’re not pigeon-holed into one particular career path or a few – there are so many possibilities.” Morgan has tons of hobbies: painting, reading fantasy literature, and most importantly, keeping a work life balance. 

As an attorney, certain jobs and firms expect that you devote your life to the work. Especially in certain corporate or “big law” positions, it’s out of the question to have a life of your own. Morgan says that keeping a work life balance is her “#1 priority” in the job search, and that after taking on a few jobs where it was impossible to keep the balance, she has “gone out and found positions” that have the right understanding.

But it didn’t all work out easily. Morgan had to work extremely hard in law school to get her place as fourth in her class. Then, her law school dissolved – meaning that her foundation, connections, alumni web, and more – was effectively gone. She still has a network of classmates, peers, and business partners, but it has made things harder, especially when some people have never heard of her school. Further, she wishes that she had pursued a tax LLM, which is a master of laws that specializes in a certain niche. 

Things have worked out well, though. Today, Morgan works for Blanco Tackabery in the Trust and Estates practice group, living in Mt. Pleasant. She is also well versed in real estate, corporate counseling, and business formation. Her work deals with clients going through intense situations, often coping with grief in their own ways. 

Morgan wanted to give a piece of advice to current English students: focus on finding fulfillment in your professional life, because it will bleed over to your personal life.