My Journey from Music Education to Advocacy

By Cole Summey, Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy Student

Why I Chose Furman

Furman was one of my top choices for undergrad years ago. Growing up in Greenville, I came to campus for band and orchestra clinics, sports camps and to watch games—especially when Furman and Appalachian State University competed in the same conference. Furman has always been a big part of the Greenville community, and I admired that.

After earning an undergraduate degree in music education from Appalachian State University, I began exploring graduate school. Furman immediately came to mind since I wanted a program that would let me stay local, connect with my community and prepare me for a career where I could make a broader impact. That’s when I discovered the Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy (MAP) program.

Why the MAP Program Was the Right Fit

I had a career as a woodwind instructor in North Carolina and band and choir director in South Carolina public schools. After stepping away from teaching full-time, I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but I wasn’t sure which direction to take. Neither a master’s in education nor a master’s in music offered the right fit. I was looking for something that would help me address the systemic issues I had seen as a teacher.

I started researching programs in public administration and policy, and Furman’s MAP program stood out. It offered exactly what I was looking for: the ability to connect my background in education to a broader understanding of advocacy, systems change and policy analysis.

I also really valued that Furman’s program was in-person. Advocacy is all about relationships, and I wanted the opportunity to build genuine connections with faculty, classmates and community partners face-to-face.

What I Enjoy Most About the MAP Program

One of the best parts of the MAP program is how flexible it is. I’ve been able to tailor my coursework to my specific interests and goals. As someone coming from the fine arts field, I’ve enjoyed exploring how advocacy and policy intersect with arts and education.

The program has challenged me to think critically about equity, systems and leadership—and it’s given me the tools to turn frustration into action.

My Field Work Experience

In Spring 2025, I completed my field work as an advocacy and policy intern with Public Education Partners (PEP) in Greenville. I supported two major projects: the Teacher Fellows program and the Parent Leadership Project. That experience was truly transformative. I gained hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, learning how organizations partner strategically with school systems to advocate for students and educators.

Interestingly, I applied twice to be a Teacher Fellow when I was still in the classroom but wasn’t selected. Later, as a MAP student, I helped lead and support the program. Talk about full circle! I also contributed to discussions about how PEP could better support arts educators through targeted grants and programming. It was rewarding to bring that fine arts lens into broader education policy conversations.

Even though I was “just an intern,” I was treated as a valued member of the team, and I had a voice in important conversations, especially as PEP rolled out its new strategic plan.

My internship helped me see education from a systems-level perspective. I learned how state and local policies directly affect classrooms and how nonprofit organizations can play a key role in bridging gaps between communities and schools. It also helped me take off my “teacher hat” and put on a “policy analyst hat.” Being able to switch between those perspectives of educator and advocate has been one of the most valuable lessons from this experience.

Looking Ahead

After finishing the MAP program, I plan to work in education policy research or with a nonprofit focused on education or fine arts advocacy. I love exploring how creative expression and policy can intersect to promote equity and opportunity for all students.

Eventually, I would like to earn a PhD, but for now, I’m excited to apply what I’ve learned and continue making an impact locally.

I’m incredibly grateful for the MAP program and Furman. I came in wanting to understand how to make systems fairer, and I’m leaving with the knowledge, tools and confidence to act on it. Being part of a young, growing program has also been special since I’ve had the chance to share feedback, help shape the program’s future and watch it evolve. This experience has given me the clarity and courage to make a career pivot that feels both meaningful and true to who I am.