Howard Finds Passion for Sociology and Her Career
Madison Howard (’25) chose to attend the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, because she wanted to go somewhere where she would grow not only as a student, but also as a leader, community member, and professional.
She changed her major to sociology after realizing she enjoyed learning about patterns of social relationships and social behavior, and she decided to minor in social justice. This year she was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate in Critical Race and Ethnic Studies.
“I liked how I could pick from multiple concentration options to tailor my education to my interests,” Howard said. “I chose my concentration because I always had an interest in global leadership and wanted to explore similar social themes with different perspectives to challenge myself academically and connect with multiple fields such as psychology and statistics.”
Howard also served as a tutor in the Judith Anderson Herbert Writing Center, which during her junior and senior years allowed her to work with students in Knox County Schools writing college admissions essays. “It was a pivotal moment in my career exploration,” she said. “The experience of working with the Writing Center team solidified my passion for working on initiatives that support students throughout their academic career, and pushed me to pursue postgraduate opportunities that contribute to making a difference in students’ lives.”
During the fall of her senior year, she also took her first course with Associate Professor Michelle Christian, who became a mentor. “She was an undying support both inside and outside the classroom,” Howard said.
“Dr. Christian opened my eyes to the fact that pursuing a passion is always worth trying, because you never know what opportunities may lie ahead,” Howard said. “She encouraged me to tap into my ambition, and to always seek opportunities for growth, which propelled me forward through the rest of my senior year and into postgraduate life.”
With Christian’s encouragement Howard committed to starting her career in higher education and is now a strategic initiatives project coordinator with UT’s Division of Access and Engagement.