Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences

Sophomore sociology major and National Society of Leadership and Success member Morgan King is making the most of the amazing opportunities at #CCU. "What I love about Spadoni is how encouraging my professors are in pushing students to be their best. I didn’t realize how many opportunities were waiting for me here at Coastal! With the help of my professors, I've been able to start an independent research study with Dr. Gillian Richards-Greaves and figure out exactly who I want to be in this community." Outside of class, Morgan enjoys spending time outdoors and with her pets, and cherishing moments with friends and family. #SpadoniSpotlight

We recently welcomed our new cohorts into the Professional Program in Teacher Education! We're excited to see these students enter this important next phase of their degree programs. Congratulations!

Our 2025 South Carolina Creative Sociology Writing Competition received 36 amazing entries in short-fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction from students at 14 universities and colleges across the state! This year’s theme, Family Matters, encouraged students to blend The Sociological Imagination with creative writing. Join us for a virtual reading of the winning works on March 28 at 3 p.m. Register for the Zoom link: bit.ly/creativesocreading. Open to CCU students, faculty, staff, and the public. Don’t miss out!

Over spring break, Assistant Professor of Counseling and Psychology Chelsey Simmons, Ph.D., presented at the South Carolina Psychological Association's annual conference in Columbia, S.C. Her session focused on the critical role of school interventions and the importance of collaboration between school professionals and private therapy providers.

Join us on March 30 for the CoastalLIFE 5K, 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk, or Run with Chauncey Kids Dash! To register, scan the code or visit https://lnkd.in/eWHKMEvh.

?? Meet Gregory Stephens (B.A. in Sociology, with minors in social justice and criminology ‘20; M.A. in Communication, Communication Advocacy concentration ‘22). ?? Gregory’s passion for advocacy — especially for the LGBTQ+ and transgender community — shaped his time at #CCU. From leading initiatives like chosen name and pronoun forms, LGBTQ+ trainings, and expanding all-gender restrooms, to his current role as Florence County Director for the Guardian ad Litem Program of the South Carolina Department of Children's Advocacy, he continues to drive meaningful change. Gregory actively participated in PRIDE, SAGE, Social Justice Research Initiative, and the Incarcerated VOICE Initiative, where he now serves as a board member. “I thoroughly enjoyed my time at CCU. I was able to form and grow relationships with peers, faculty, and staff through collaboration, vulnerability, and mentorship. I was also given the agency to show up authentically and unapologetically as myself, which allowed me to share my experiences with others and show them they’re not alone. I’m forever grateful for the opportunities and experiences gained during my time at CCU and for the relationships that I will carry with me for a lifetime!” Outside of work, Gregory enjoys time with family — including his wife, Dr. Samantha Stephens (fellow CCU alum!) — and relaxing at the beach. #SpadoniSpotlight

We are thrilled to congratulate Suzanne Horn, Ph.D., for achieving the QM Quality Matters course certification for EDEQ:740 Successful Collaboration with Schools and Families on March 12, 2025. This is Suzanne's second QM Certified Course in the Spadoni College of Education and Social Sciences at Coastal Carolina University! Join us in celebrating Suzanne's dedication and commitment to excellence in online education! #CoastalOnline #QMCertified #TealNation

Application deadlines for several of our graduate programs are on the horizon. Don't miss your chance to apply! Learn more about these exciting programs at https://lnkd.in/ePn6D-Cy and submit your application at https://lnkd.in/e9ExVbH5.

Great highlight on sociology major, Dyer fellow, and HTC Honors College student Laura LaFave! https://lnkd.in/eNH5dquf

Our 2025 South Carolina Creative Sociology Writing Competition received 36 entries of short-fiction, poetry, and creative non-fiction from students at 14 different universities and colleges across the state! This year, students were encouraged to write inspiring pieces that combine The Sociological Imagination with the craft of creative writing to explore the theme family matters. Entries were blind reviewed by a panel of four judges — two sociologists and two creative writers — from Coastal Carolina University. Winners receive prize money and may also be published in CCU’s Waccamaw: A Journal of Contemporary Literature. For more information about the contest, visit https://lnkd.in/dX2CDt7j. Join us on March 28 at 3 p.m. as the winners present their work during a virtual reading. To register for a Zoom link to attend, visit bit.ly/creativesocreading. The event is open CCU students, faculty, staff, and the public.