KASEY MCNAIR
Q: Who was your favorite Erskine professor, and how did they influence your journey?
A: This feels impossible! I had three favorite professors who all influenced my journey. Dr. Keith Timms, Dr. Catherine White, and Dr. Kokou Abalo all supported me throughout my time at Erskine. Dr. Timms helped me become more confident in myself and my abilities through pushing me in Bella Voce and Choraleers. Dr. White showed me how successful someone from the area I grew up in could be by working in higher education. Dr. Abalo encouraged me in my goal of working in higher education as well, and pushed me to strive for more within that. There are countless staff members who influenced me as well! The support of the Erskine community is immeasurable.
Q: What’s one thing about you now that your college friends wouldn’t believe?
A: I moved away from Abbeville/Due West! I am from the area in addition to attending school in Due West, so I think a lot of people thought I’d stay there forever. I would love to move back one day though!
Q: Do you have a favorite Erskine tradition or event?
A: I love the choir concerts each year! Seeing the legacy ornament tree on the stage and hearing the beautiful music of the season is my favorite way to get into the holiday season. Joining the spring concerts to see which interesting piece of music Dr. Timms has challenged the choir with each year is fun to see as well. The rainforest piece from several years ago is still a personal favorite! I also love getting to sing the alma mater as an alumna!
Q: If you could relive one day at Erskine, which day would it be and why?
A: As much as I dislike cold weather, I would go back to January 2014 during “Snowmageddon.” We had so much snow and ice that classes were canceled for three days. We spent those days piling into one dorm room, watching movies, eating microwave mac & cheese, and bonding. That was a treasured day in my college years.
Q: How did Erskine prepare you for life after college?
A: Erskine gave me confidence in pursuing my calling of working directly with students in higher education. Without the leaders in Erskine Admissions pulling me into the Ambassadors program, I may not have known about the opportunity to work in higher education as a career. My professors taught me skills in critical thinking, empathy and care of students, and problem-solving that have helped me immensely in establishing and growing my higher education career.
Q: What does the Erskine community mean to you?
A: The Erskine Community symbolizes a second home to me. I know whenever I come to Due West, I will be greeted by a beautiful campus and many friends, no matter what time of year. The joy of meeting fellow Erskine alumni out in the world brings a small piece of Due West to us all for a moment, able to reminisce and connect with each other no matter if we attended during the same years or not.