Christine James

GRADUATES IN 2020-2022:

Walter Steven Parker, 2022, accepted to the Masters in Professional Writing Program at the University of West Georgia.

Rhonda Reliford, 2021, accepted to the Masters Program at the California Institute of Integral Studies.

Kim Fromkin, 2021, accepted to the Harvard Extension School Religion Graduate Program, national second place for the Theta Alpha Kappa Graduate Study Award.

GRADUATES IN 2010-2019:

James Charles Brown III, 2019, accepted to the Doctor of Ministry Program at South University, United States Army, United States Navy, United States Naval Reservist Retired

Ruben David Mendez, 2019, Commissioned Officer in the United States Air Force

Audrey Whittle, 2018, accepted to Brandeis University Graduate Program in Coexistence and Conflict Resolution

Maya Mapp, 2018, accepted to University of Georgia Graduate Program in Political Science, completed Masters in Education at UGA in 2021 and now works as a Program Manager for the United Negro College Fund

Dan Nix, 2017, Mercer Law graduate 2019, published in the Mercer Law Review.

Alisa Pappas, 2017, Philosophy Major with Minors in NAIS/ES, MLIS Program, University of Missouri, graduated program 2019, now working at the University of Missouri Library.

Sydney Beckmann, 2016, MA in Theology, Notre Dame University 2018, now in PhD program in American Indian Studies, Arizona

Jason Cole Singletary, 2013, MA program in Philosophy, Kent State University, completed the MA 2015 and accepted to the PhD program in Philosophy at Syracuse University in 2015, completing dissertation

Jonathan Lollar, 2015, MA program in Applied Philosophy and Ethics, Texas State University, presented paper at New Mexico Philosophical Society, winner of Doctoral Fellowship 2019 TSU College of Education

Heather Palmer, 2015, MA program in Applied Philosophy and Ethics, Texas State University

Danielle Roush, 2015 Philosophy, 2013 French,1 year MA in Philosophy, University College London, now studying law at the Cardozo School of Law/Yeshiva University with full fellowship funding.

Joseph Aaron Calheiros, 2015, MPA program, Valdosta State University

Crystal Carey Parten, 2006, EdD Educational Leadership, Valdosta State University, accepted 2014

Leanne Johnson, 2014, Indiana Wesleyan University Seminary program with concentration in Women, Children, Youth, Family Ministry

Sandra Y. G. Jones, 2014, MSW Social Work, Valdosta State University currently Valdosta State University’s Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion Sandra Y. G. Jones graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies in 2014, and is currently Valdosta State University’s Director of Student Diversity and Inclusion: http://www.vsuspectator.com/2019/02/28/black-history-month-spotlight-sandra-y-g-jones/

Michael Richard Stalvey, 2014, MS program in Industrial-Organizational Psychology, Valdosta State University

Miriam Watkins, 2014, completed her Masters Degree in Communication Disorders, and was certified ASHA CCC-SLP American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, Certificate of Clinical Competence, Speech-Language Pathology in 2019

Colin J. Law, 2013, MA program in Religion, University of Georgia, graduated 2017, now completing his PhD in Religious Studies at the University of Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Patrick Spurlock, 2013, MLIS program, Valdosta State University, currently Access Services Librarian for the SIT (School for International Training) Graduate Institute and SIT Study Abroad in Brattleboro, Vermont

Pamela Johnson-Spurlock, 2013, MLIS program, Valdosta State University Librarian of the Silsby Library in Charlestown, Vermont

Angelique Witmer, 2013, MLIS program, Valdosta State University, 2013, Analyst, Florida Department of Elder Affairs, working on MPA Degree

David Gregors, 2013, JD program,Florida Coastal School of Law

Ed Rollins, 2013, MDiv program,Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

Tim Malone, 2012, MD program, specializing in Military Medicine, Medical College of Georgia

Alexander Lawhorne, 2012, JD program, University of Michigan Law School, attorney with Georgia Legal Services Project in Albany, Georgia; accepted to Vanderbilt University PhD program in Political Science, attained ABD status, now works as a Survey Analytics Analyst with YouGov. He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2021.

David Durden, 2012, graduate program in Musicology, Brandeis University

Natalie Barfield, 2012, Masters Program in Urban and Regional Planning, Florida State University

Brittany N. Bell Turner, 2012, JD Program, The University of Georgia School of Law, passed the Bar Exam in October 2015 and with the firm of Speed, Seta, Martin & Trivett LLC in Lawrenceville, Georgia.

Brendan “Bo” Mullen, 2012, LL.M. program, Florida State University School of Law

Kelly Strickland, 2012, MLIS program, Valdosta State University

Joseph Colson, 2012, MDiv program, Moody Theological Seminary and Graduate School

Shantae Marie Lynn, 2012, Masters Program in Education – School Counseling, Valdosta State University; Enlisted in Georgia Army National Guard October 2015

Patrick Montooth, 2011, Masters in Public Administration, Florida State University

Heather Mashburn, 2011, Masters in Liberal Studies with English Concentration, Clayton State University, Elected to Student Government Association Fall 2011

Christopher Parker, 2011, Masters Program in Philosophy, University of Arkansas at Fayetteville, degree conferred 2012, PhD program in Philosophy, University of Cincinnati, accepted 2012

Victoria King, 2011, Masters in Photography, Savannah College of Art and Design and now studying for her PhD in Philosophy at the University of Georgia

Terrance Taylor, 2011, Masters Program in Professional Counseling, Richmont Graduate University

Patrick Spurlock graduated in 2011 and studied for his MLIS while working at the South Georgia Regional Library. He earned the MLIS and became the Access Services Librarian for the SIT Graduate Institute in Brattleboro, VT as well as for the SIT Study Abroad which entails servicing the campus in Washington, DC (virtually and in-person) and 78 study abroad locations globally.

Larry Dean graduated in 2011 after majoring in Criminal Justice and taking a variety of upper level courses in Philosophy. He was drafted into the NFL and played for the Minnesota Vikings until 2014. He then played for the Buffalo Bills for a year, and in 2015 he was signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers until September.

Travis Simmons, 2010, Masters Program in Library and Information Science, Valdosta State University

Benjamin B. Scott, 2010, Masters in Public Administration, Valdosta State University

Ferron Johns Yi, 2010, Masters Program in Criminal Justice, Boston University, worked for Homeland Security and was accepted into FBI training 2019.

Michael “Mykell” Barlow was a major in Philosophy and Religious Studies, concentration in Religious Studies, in 2010. Since then he and his music have been on MTV, and he won a starring role in a television program starring The Situation from Jersey Shore through the Yobising contesthttp://yobi.tv/yobising/tags/contest_entries/mykell_barlow He is a working actor, having appeared in film and television. Mykell’s friend, filmmaker Justin Patten, graduated with a BA in Philosophy and Religious Studies in 2008. You can reach Mykell and Justin on Twitter: http://twitter.com/officialmykell
Photo of Mykell and Justin in Los Angeles: http://twitpic.com/6ol5pw

Will R. Weaver, 2010, currently Defensive Analyst Football Coach at the University of Houston, Houston, Texas

Pamela Johnson-Spurlock graduated in 2010 with a General Studies concentration in Philosophy and Religious Studies. While working at the Thomas County Public Library, Thomasville, Georgia, she received her MLIS degree in 2015, and became the Library Director of the Silsby Free Public Library in Charlestown, New Hampshire, http://www.silsbyfree.org

GRADUATES IN 2000-2010:

Patrick John Taylor, 2009, Masters Program in Philosophy, University of Oregon

Kathleen Kirk, 2008, MM Program in Vocal Performance, Northern Arizona University, International Student Advisor at Georgia Tech, currently in Graduate Program in International Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University

Richard MacLaughlin, 2008, Police Officer in Columbus, Georgia

Kevin Sprague, 2008, studied at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Deerfield, IL

Walker M. Gross, graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 2008, he is currently a Hydraulic Technician at RG Group.

Andrew McClure graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 2008. He is currently a Project Manager with LexisNexis, doing computer assisted legal research.

Paul G. Ganes, 2007, Property Management Lead at Target, Efficiency Coordinator at Allan Virgil Ford Lincoln, Morrow Georgia

David Huseman, 2007, working as a Configuration Engineer at Configit, Institute of Nuclear Power Operations.

Nicholaus Pumphrey, 2007, Masters Program in Religious Studies, Vanderbilt University; PhD Program at Claremont Graduate University School of Religion, 2009, currently Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, Baker University, Baldwin City, Kansas

Amanda Pumphrey, 2007, completed the MA in Religion and American Politics at Claremont in 2010 and began the PhD Program in Women’s Studies in Religion at Claremont Graduate University, 2011

Jeremy K. Baker, 2007, St. Mary’s University School of Law, Texas, currently an Assistant District Attorney in the Southern Judicial Circuit.

Jennifer Melissa Keene, 2007, currently Manager of the East Athens Community Resource Center in Athens, Georgia.

Gerard “Jay” Gordon, 2007, completed Masters in Organizational Psychology, currently Assessment and Development Specialist at the Personnel Board of Jefferson County, Alabama.

Matthew Cribbs, 2006, received BA in Philosophy with Religious Studies Minor, received his MEd in Middle and Secondary Education and is completing a Doctor of Education at University of Florida in Gainesville.

Geoffry Hall, 2006, studied New Testament at the University of Georgia, went on to earn his BSN/RN at Emory, and became a FNP-C in DeKalb County, Georgia.

Adam Powers, 2006, studied at the Reformed Theological Seminary, currently Pastor at SonRise Community Church in New Port Richie, Florida.

Jason Patrick Adams graduated with a Religious Studies Minor in 2006. He studied Theology at the Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum) and at Mount St. Mary’s University. He studied STB Theology at Pontifical North American College. After serving the Archdiocese of Savannah for a number of years as a priest, he is now Parochial Vicar at St. John’s Catholic Church in Valdosta.

Leslie Rawlings, 2006, Owner at TherapyWorks Pediatric Center, LLC, Valdosta and Albany, Georgia

Stephen Everett, 2005, PhD Program in Philosophy, University of South Carolina.

Brad Matthews, 2005, International MBA Program, Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina.

Jackie Caldwell, 2005, Masters in Sociology, Valdosta State University

T. Harvey Greene III, 2005, Physician Assistant Program, Barry University

James Hitchcock, 2005, MA Program, Georgia State University

Brad Lenz, 2004, PhD Program in Humanities, Florida State University

Jason M. Lewis, 2004, PhD Program in Religious Studies, Syracuse University. Jason earned his Juris Doctor at Georgetown University Law Center, and is now a practicing attorney in Alexandria, Virginia.

Michael O. Holt graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 2004. He is currently an Assistant Professor and Reference Librarian in the Odum University Library. His book of historic photos of Valdosta was recently published by Arcadia Publishing as part of its Images of America Series. He is currently Head, Research and Instruction Services at the Louisiana State University Libraries. Click on the link for the book available on Amazon: http://amzn.to/pyj5ly

Demarcus Marshall, 2004, MPA Program, Valdosta State University. Degree conferred 2005, elected to the Lowndes County Commission in 2012. He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2015.

Lance Eric Neff received his BA in Philosophy in 2001, and received a Master of Theological Studies from Weston Jesuit School of Theology. He also graduated from Florida Coastal School of Law and is now a practicing attorney in Florida, working in the office of the Florida Attorney General. He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2017.

Jennifer Ferrell is a human rights worker and a member of Koinonia Partners community and farm.  Koinonia Partners remains a major center of Christian human rights activism, and was the Americus, Georgia birthplace of Habitat for Humanity: http://www.koinoniapartners.org/History/

GRADUATES IN 1990-1999:

Jason Johns earned his BA in Philosophy in 1999 and is now an attorney and partner with Jackson Walker LLP in Houston, Texas. http://www.jw.com/Jason_G_Johns/

He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2013.

Jason Morris received his BA in Philosophy in 1997, and went on to earn a Doctorate in Podiatric Medicine from Temple University. He is now the Director of the Laser Division of the Village Podiatry Centers, based in Atlanta, Georgia. He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2019.

Jeremy Jones graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1997. Jeremy attended Asbury Seminary and is now an Ordained Methodist Minister.

Anna Mitchell Hall graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1996 and received her MPA in 2002, and a MDiv degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory University in 2008. She also earned the PhD in Adult Education and the Interdisciplinary Qualitative Studies Graduate Certificate program at the University of Georgia. 

Mark A. Taormina graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1996. He worked towards his Doctorate of Philosophy at the University of Georgia and is an HIM Systems Analyst at Athens Regional Medical Center. 

Pam France earned her BA in Philosophy in 1995 before attending Asbury Seminary. She is now serving as an Ordained Methodist Minister.

Mark D. Kinservik earned a BA in Philosophy in 1995, and completed GBI Special Agent training in 2014. 

Nick Hodge graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1994, and went on to earn a BS in Education in 1997 and a Masters in Education in 2009. He currently teaches at Berrien High School.

Ralph J. Hiers received his BA in Philosophy in 1993 as is now a practicing attorney in Atlanta, Georgia.

Joe Newton received his BA in Philosophy in 1991 and is currently serving as Chief Technology Officer at VSU.http://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2005/10/joe-newton-100705.php He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2016.

Bruce Morgan earned a BA in Philosophy in 1991, and earned a Master’s degree in English Literature from VSU in 1998. He is now earning his second Master’s in Theological Studies at Iliff School of Theology, which is connected to the University of Denver in Colorado. He is continuing to teach at Charlton County High School, including college level courses (English 1101 and 1102; Introduction to American Literature) in the dual enrollment program, for students in high school receiving college level credit. There is also a picture of Bruce Morgan and Ron Barnette on our department history page: http://mypages.valdosta.edu/chjames/history.html

GRADUATES IN 1970-1989:

Niles Reddick graduated with a BA in Philosophy and a minor in Sociology in 1988. He is currently Vice President for Academic Affairs at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College in Tifton, Georgia and has become a well known writer and editor. He was honored as an outstanding alumus in 2011: http://nilesreddick.com/

Mark Redermahl graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1987 and is now an Assistant United States Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Randy Acree graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1985 and is currently a practicing Attorney and member of the Georgia State Bar, living in Fernandina Beach, Florida. 

Christopher Rogers works for the U. S. Department of Defense, contracted out to Lockheed Martin in the Information Technology section as an I.T. Specialist/PC Analyst Level II. Previously, Christopher worked for the District Attorney in Houston County (Central Georgia) and worked with Assembly of Democrats in Madison, Wisconsin.

Mike Bass received his BA in Philosophy in 1985 and is now a practicing Attorney in Valdosta. 

Kenneth Eddings graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1984. He became involved with Apple Corporation as a Hostmaster and is a lead tech volunteer for EG Conferences and TED Conferences.

Pete Mastin graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1983. He is the CEO of the Jolokia Corporation, handling software development and learning experience platform spaces.

John Robbins graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1982. He is now a nationally renowned defense attorney in Alabama. John’s picture recently appeared on the front page of the New York Times, and he has been featured on such news programs as PBS’s NewsHour. He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2012: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/updates/media-jan-june02-birmingham_04-18/

Alan Bernstein graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1981 and went on to earn many graduate degrees including a Doctorate in Education in Curriculum and Instruction. He is now the Dean of Libraries at Valdosta State University’s Odum Library,  http://www.valdosta.edu/about/news/releases/2012/05/bernstein-052512.php Alan was also instrumental in the visits of Mr. Pythagoras on the Valdosta State College Campus in 1980-1981:http://mypages.valdosta.edu/chjames/Mr_Pythagoras[1].JPG

He was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2014.

Idella Moore was the first female Philosophy major graduate.  She also received an MA in History from Florida State, and is now the leader of http://www.4era.org, the only national single-issue Equal Rights Amendment organization in the country. She was honored as an outstanding alumnus in 2018. http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm/dyn/aid/2224http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=9311591

Ray Peace graduated with a BA in Philosophy in 1974. He is now an Instructor of Philosophy at VSU and a performing musician.