School of Education & Graduate Studies
Degrees & Programs
Meet the Dean
South Carolina poet James Dickey wrote, “And this is the house I pass through, on the way to power and light.”
I hope that you will find your studies at Converse to be that transition to power and light: the light of knowledge and learning that will empower you to go into your community and make a difference.
Those of you who have chosen teaching as your profession know how valuable your contributions are to the future of our country. Educating the next generation is the most important job anyone can ever have. Your students’ futures and the future of our communities rest in your hands. Whether a bachelor’s degree, a Master of Arts in Teaching, a Master of Music, a Master in Education or an Educational Specialist’s degree, all of you are invaluable to improving and enhancing life for your fellow citizens.
The increased content knowledge of those in our MLA programs, the creativity of those in our MFA program, and the enriching community support of those in our Marriage and Family Therapy and Professional Leadership programs also improve lives. The light and power of knowing and caring shines out from all our graduates.
I wish you great success in your studies and in your careers. The experiences you gain at and through Converse will provide you with the tools you need to build a strong and productive future.
Lienne F. Medford, EdD
Dean of Education and Graduate Studies; Associate Provost of Institutional Research and Accreditation, IAL
Beyond the Classroom
MEd Grad Wins SCAEA Thomas A. Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award
Alumna Cindy Riddle ’08 is the 2022 recipient of the Thomas A. Hatfield Lifetime Achievement Award from the South Carolina Art Education Association (SCAEA). The Thomas A. Hatfield Lifetime Achievement …
Jeff Howard Awarded Grant for Research Communication
Assistant Professor of English and Director of the Converse Writing Center, Jeff Howard, Ph.D., received a pilot grant from the Office of Research and Engagement. The grant will support a …
MEd Grad Named Superintendent of Spartanburg School District One
Following a unanimous vote by the Spartanburg One Board of Trustees, Mark Smith ’03 was named the new Spartanburg School District One Superintendent. Dr. Smith has served District Six for …
Studio Art Students Exhibiting Throughout US this Fall
Converse Studio Art students have quickly transformed from aspiring artists to seeing their art exhibited in galleries throughout the United States. Thanks to Converse’s supportive learning environment and remarkable studio …
Music Performance Grad Interviewed by South Carolina Voyager
Alison Hughey ’03 was recently interviewed by South Carolina Voyager, an online platform for promoting artists, creatives, makers and small businesses. After earning a degree in music performance from Converse, …