1991 Major: Sociology
"My course of study in sociology at Duke was ideal preparation for my career in law and public policy. The variety of courses - touching on topics as diverse, yet related in so many ways, such as religion, crime and criminal justice, statistics, etc - provided substantive and substantial preparation for my graduate studies in the law and a career steeped in the interplay among people and our social institutions. Because of myth Duke degree in sociology I went into each new phase of my life/career with an appreciation that I needed to understand the important impact of every issue on - and from the perspective of - individuals, communities, cultures, institutions and society as a whole. Thus, I believe I was well-prepared to be the best attorney, policymaker, non-for-profit leader, business leader and person I could be."
"Go deep and broad into the sociology curriculum; enter the program/course of study with an open mind and remain open to having your ideas and assumptions challenged...and be up to the task of respectfully challenging others in the fashion; appreciate that the historical takes you will learn and explore are valuable because they inform the present and - potentially - the future of our societies and institutions; finally, worry less about where your sociology degree may take you and, instead, lean hard into the journey of learning, growth and exploration that will serve you well wherever you venture in your life travels."
