Joey Jennings graduated from Winthrop in the fall of 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology. During his time at Winthrop, Jennings was an active student on campus. He was a pole vaulter for Winthrop Track, where he is a record holder. Additionally, he was a leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and a FYE peer mentor.
“FCA was a place where all felt included no matter where you came from,” Jennings said. “Also being a peer mentor was a valuable experience as I was able to grow connections with both faculty and students.”
Jennings explained how he believes it’s important for students to be active in organizations, clubs, and to interact with the Winthrop faculty
“I say to be as active as you can while maintaining mental health. Winthrop has so much to offer. Try to reach out to faculty, join organizations and build community,” he said.
When thinking back to his college experience, Jennings explained that there were a few memories that stood out to him, two of them being the event The Extra Mile and the Winthrop homecoming tailgate.
“Both of these events helped me gain a sense of pride for my university,” he said.
In addition to these two events being memorable, Jennings shared that “the experience of being on campus was fun in itself.
“I am a social person, so being able to walk down Scholars and befriend a variety of people was fun for me. Outside forming these bonds, the more memorable moments for me were those where a big number of students would gather on Campus Green for an event like the FYE events.”
As Jennings explained how he enjoyed being on campus and being involved in the multiple clubs and organizations, he explains one regret he has is moving off-campus during his last year at Winthrop.
“Looking back, I wish I was more involved with campus life despite being off-campus,” Jennings said.
Jennings is currently enrolled at the University of Maryland where he is pursuing a Ph.D. in Sociology.
He explained that in the sociology program he is enrolled in, he is able to obtain his master’s degree because much of the coursework overlaps. As a result of the program being set up in this way, Jennings was able to obtain his master’s degree in May 2021.
Jennings additionally received an NSF fellowship to fund graduate school. He thanks the guidance of his advisors and the ONCA department at Winthrop.
“The advice I would give students is to work with these faculty and organizations. They are there for you to succeed, so use them. Don’t let those people and resources go to waste,” Jennings said.
Upon completing the Ph.D. program, Jennings is still contemplating what career path he wants to take.
“Initially, I was all for going into academia. However, I am currently considering all opportunities,” Jennings said. “Academia is a great opportunity for me to reinvest in the youth, but I do not love all of the restrictions. When thinking of my research and what I do, I could see myself in some nonprofit sector or working directly with the community.”
Overall, it is exciting to know that one of Winthrop’s former eagles is able to use the experiences and knowledge from their time at Winthrop in their life post-undergrad.
“My college experience is something I’ll cherish forever. I gained lifelong friends, knowledge and real-world experience. I am forever thankful to Winthrop for these gifts,” Jennings said.
