Undergraduate

Merritt Tompkins

  • Program

    B.A. in Southern Studies; minors in History; Intelligence and Security Studies ( College of Liberal Arts )
  • Social Media

  • About

    Merritt is majoring in Southern Studies and double minoring in History and Intelligence and Security Studies. Outside of class, Merritt works as a Community Desk Assistant for Student Housing.

Why did you choose to attend UM?

UM was the only school that was able to cater to my career goals. The opportunity to be part of both the Southern Studies and the Intelligence and Security Studies programs meant not sacrificing one interest for the other.

What would you tell a high school student about your major?

Southern Studies provides a well-rounded study of the American South. Through this study you are given the tools to succeed in many other departments around campus, gaining skills in writing, research, and critical analysis.

Why is your department a special place?

The professors make the department special. In my experience, the Southern Studies professors are passionate about their studies and care about their students.

Can you tell me about a professor or a class you've taken that has had the most impact on you?

S St 109 Rights and Southern Activism has been my favorite class I've taken here at UM. The professor, Ralph Eubanks, made the class interesting and relevant to many aspects of Oxford, Mississippi, and the South's history.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I hope to work for a three letter agency (FBI, CIA, etc) one day.

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self?

Find a good balance of lightheartedness and seriousness. Have fun and study hard!

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