All Blog Posts
From the Classroom to the World: Kate’s Adventure
I am currently a third-grade teacher at Blythe Academy of Languages in Greenville, South Carolina. This is my third year teaching. I have a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Literacy...
Continue ReadingRooted in Purpose: How Tre’Dessa Smalls Is Shaping Greenville’s Future
Tre'Dessa Smalls comes from a family of servant leaders. Raised in Burgess, South Carolina, a small town just 15 minutes outside Myrtle Beach, Tre’Dessa has never shied away from the issues others overlook: affordable housing,...
Continue ReadingMaking Connections through Fridays in the Field
Ask any Master of Science in Innovation and Leadership student about “Fridays in the Field,” and they’ll light up, sharing stories from recent visits to Michelin Innovation Lab, Swamp Rabbit Café and Grocery and Soteria At...
Continue ReadingBecoming a Literacy Leader: Marie’s Story
Early in my teaching career, I was certain I would spend my entire professional life in my own classroom. Even after nineteen years, what I cherish most are the relationships I build with students, especially...
Continue ReadingRooted and Growing: Shaniece Criss
Shaniece Criss didn’t stumble into public service. It’s something she’s been growing into her entire life. As a child in Greenville, South Carolina, Shaniece’s grandmother told her she would become a public servant. From those...
Continue ReadingThe Portfolio Difference: How Furman’s MASD Program Prepares Designers to Stand Out
Grace Van Rij remembers the moment she first heard about the Master of Arts in Strategic Design (MASD). The program first caught her eye during her undergraduate years at Furman. Even without an art background, she immediately knew it was the right fit. Anne Heaton Sanders knew from an early age...
Continue ReadingLeaning in to Innovation and Leadership: Tara’s Story
Tara Weese has spent her career pouring into others. As a leadership development consultant, business owner, mentor, facilitator, wife, and mom, she showed up fully for everyone around her, which left little room to be...
Continue ReadingOpening Doors with Literacy: Johnna’s Journey
One of the things I most believe in is that literacy opens doors to opportunities and fulfillment in life in ways that few other skills can. It’s true that good reading, writing and speaking are...
Continue ReadingInnovating Beyond the Classroom: Ashley’s MSIL Journey
Ashley Dickson-Ellison’s journey into podcasting began as a way to have thoughtful conversations about books. After 17 years in the classroom, most of them spent teaching high school English, Ashley and two fellow teachers launched...
Continue ReadingWhy Furman University is the Place to Learn School Leadership
If you’re ready to take your impact beyond the classroom, Furman University’s Master of Arts in Education in School Leadership or Educational Specialist in School Leadership programs are designed to help you lead with confidence...
Continue Reading