Claudia McCoullough ’62

The Accidental Professor

Claudia McCoullough '64 reflects on her path to becoming a speech professor. She graduated from Converse with a degree in Philosophy and Religion, then went on to receive her Master's in Philosophy/Theatre from Vermont College and a PhD from Emory University.  She is the former chairman of the Department of Philosophy and Religion at Coastal Carolina University, where she also founded and is the Director Emeritus of The Jackson Family Center for Ethics and Values. Now enjoying retirement, she lives in Myrtle Beach, SC.

In celebration of our 125th anniversary, Converse is recording conversations that capture the unique voice, value and vision of our College community. The project launched during Reunion Weekend 2014, with a team of student digital journalists interviewing alumni, students, faculty and staff. The resulting stories span decades of friendships, life experiences and careers. The Conversations project was funded by a gift from President Betsy Fleming in honor of the College's anniversary.