Why Furman: The Small School Perspective

The Advantages of Attending a Small College  

Something important to consider when preparing for college is which college best promotes your individual growth and caters to your learning style. Some students learn best through hands-on experience, while others excel independently. Smaller universities like Furman often have smaller classrooms, which allow for active, hands-on learners to grasp class material more profoundly. A study by the National Bureau of Economic Research, cited in Crenshaw Academy’s blog, indicates that students perform better academically in smaller class settings. In other words, smaller schools tend to promote the success of all types of learners. 

My Why Furman: Amanda Nnodim 

Amanda Nnodim is a senior, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in health sciences. She is from Greenville, SC, and attended Legacy Charter High School. 

Amanda describes herself as someone who is goal-oriented and showcases a knack for learning from their experiences. She has been able to capitalize on being a Furman college student through her involvement on campus as the Vice President of Furman’s Student Diversity Council, a Pathways Peer Mentor, a First Year Advisor (FRAD), and a Paladin Admissions Liaison. She refers to Furman as a “hub of resources” because “there’s something here for everybody.” Attending this university has allowed her to develop interpersonal relationships with members of the Furman community that perhaps would not have been possible on a larger campus. Amanda associates a sense of pride and community with being a student at Furman University. 

My Why Furman: Zoee Lawrence  

Zoee Lawrence is a senior at Furman University from Charlotte, NC. She is obtaining a double major in Spanish and theater arts with three minors in Latin American studies, medieval and modern studies, and musical theater.

Zoee “masters” interdisciplinary learning by learning to embrace failure at Furman. She takes more than the standard number of classes students take per semester and manages to simultaneously continue her over-a-year-long summer research project with Dr. Quintero from the Spanish department. None of this would have been possible without Furman’s financial support for Zoee’s learning. Zoee continues to grow as a Furman student due to the guidance and mentorship of Furman Faculty, and the freedom to explore all of her interests throughout her Furman career. 

If you’re looking for a college that is conducive to all types of learners, a private university with a small campus like Furman University could be the place to consider. We hope that you will come see for yourself by visiting campus this Spring. Maybe one day, you’ll be able to share your own “Furman Why.”

Signing off, 

Tyler Pearson