Lander Introduces New College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences

In efforts to address the evolving demands of today’s workforce, Lander University recently made significant enhancements to the structure of its academic colleges.

Among these changes is the newly formed College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, a strategic merger of two former colleges, aimed at fostering collaboration among faculty across a wide variety of academic disciplines, while also providing students with more robust research, internship and career preparation opportunities.

“Our faculty are skilled teachers who mentor and guide students for success,” said Dr. Lucas McMillan, dean of the new college and an academic dean at Lander since 2017. “Our professors regularly publish, present and exhibit their scholarly and creative works. They have served as officers and board members in many professional associations. They bring work experience to the classroom. Our faculty include licensed attorneys, counselors, therapists and social workers.”

The new college comprises seven academic departments offering 22 majors, 11 concentrations and 37 minors across the arts, humanities, and behavioral and social sciences. These disciplines provide more than 70 percent of Lander’s general education curriculum. Students are prepared for success in whatever career they choose through the development of fundamental skills in critical analysis, teamwork, public speaking and professional writing.

Dr. Misty Jameson will serve as the college’s associate dean. A professor of English and film studies, she previously served as a department chair, advised a student publication, was instrumental in Lander’s Film Festival and was Lander’s 2021 Distinguished Professor.

The new college includes these departments:

• Art, currently chaired by Dr. Misty Jameson
• Communication and Languages, chaired by Dr. Jeff Baggett, professor of English
• Government, Criminology and Sociology, chaired by Dr. Ashley Woodiwiss, professor of political science
• History and Philosophy, chaired by Dr. Ryan Floyd, professor of history
• Military Science and Leadership, led by retired U.S. Army Major Adrian Chen
• Music, chaired by Dr. Reed Gallo, professor of music and director of bands
• Psychological Sciences and Human Services, chaired by Dr. Mandy Cleveland, professor of psychology

The college also plays a significant role in the University’s active and experiential learning initiatives, providing students with authentic experiences that seamlessly translate into practical “real world” scenarios. These include:

• robust internship opportunities with organizations in Greenwood, across South Carolina, and a semester in Washington, D.C.;
• an undergraduate research initiative that leads students to work with faculty and then present or exhibit their own work at state-, regional- and national-level conferences and competitions before gaining acceptance to graduate school;
• staffing two student publications for course credit: The Forum, Lander’s monthly student newspaper; and New Voices, the annual student journal that features art, creative writing and critical essays;
• exhibits of students’ works in Lander’s Art Gallery and Public Sculpture Exhibition; and
• music performances by students in concerts and recitals throughout the year.

The college also houses Lander’s Study Abroad Program that supports students in spending an entire semester away and manages short-term study tours led by faculty.

Alumni from these disciplines have successful careers across areas of business, education, government and public service, journalism and media, law and law enforcement, museums and historic sites, non-profits, and social services. Beyond professional successes, many are leaders and volunteers in the civic life of their communities.

“We are excited about the new college organization,” said Jameson. “Faculty and students are on track to continue to do great things together at Lander University.”

For more information on the new College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, visit www.lander.edu/cohass.

To plan a trip to campus to take part in an art exhibit, lecture or music performance, visit www.lander.edu/events.