Two professors in the political science department, Jennifer Disney and Michael Lipscomb, were brought together by working at Winthrop University.
Lipscomb who is from Richmond, Virginia and Disney who is from Baltimore, Maryland, found each other again in the Winthrop University political science department.
Disney and Lipscomb met for the second time after Disney began working at Winthrop University in 2002. Lipscomb had previously started working at Winthrop the year before in 2001.
After being introduced to Lipscomb during her interview in 2002, Lipscomb remembered that they had met before when he was presenting a paper about Habermas and Foucault in 1998 at The Northeast Political Science Association.
“[Disney] was in the audience and [she] asked a question about Gramsci,” Lipscomb said.
“How often do you remember a person in the audience at a conference presentation, I thought to myself,” Disney said.
“Having just left New York City, a city of eight million people, where I did not find the right partner, I was skeptical that I would find that person in Rock Hill, SC. But this story helps solidify that we were meant to be.”
Disney and Lipscomb love getting to work together in the political science department here at Winthrop University.
“We are lucky that we can share stories and ask each other advice about things that truly matter to us every day” they said. “Not all couples have enough in common to do that.”
The couple has had the opportunity to co-author papers and co-present at conferences together.
“We have worked together before, sharing ideas for teaching classes and for conducting research projects,” Disney said. “In fact, we have team-taught before, including the PLSC Senior Capstone course and a short-term study abroad course on “Ecotourism, Women, and Sustainable Development in Costa Rica.”
One piece of advice they would give to others about relationships is to “find someone who shares your interests, your passions and your values.”
“We love spending time together, talking, and laughing together,” the couple said. “Marrying your best friend makes every moment of every day rewarding.”
Their most important accomplishment together is their son Michael Alexander Disney-Lipscomb.
“We started our family later than many and being able to do so is something for which we are eternally grateful,” the couple said. “Our son Michael and dog Delilah have made our family complete!”
The family has made numerous memories by traveling and spending time together.
“We have so many wonderful memories together,” Disney said. “One of our favorite things to do is take trips as a family. We love the beaches of South Carolina and the mountains of North Carolina.”
The couple has driven across the United States twice together, one time being when they were dating and another in 2019 with their then 9-year-old son.
“[We] are so glad [we] did this before Covid-19 hit,” the couple said.
Among their travels, Disney has introduced Lipscomb to Mozambique and Nicaragua, places where she has conducted research for her book “Women’s Activism and Feminist Agency in Mozambique and Nicaragua.” Additionally, she has introduced Lipscomb to Tanzania, Zanzibar, and Costa Rica. They have stopped in Paris, Dublin and Amsterdam on the way.
“We are truly grateful for Winthrop University for bringing us together, and for the community of friends, colleagues, and students who have made the last 20 years here so special!
