Dr. Jameica Byers Hill ’88 experienced an aha moment at a Department of Chemistry dinner in May.
As 10 graduating majors took turns sharing plans and something that made their Wofford experience meaningful, Hill noticed that all of them were from populations underrepresented in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) fields.
“It hit me that these students entered Wofford College during the fall of 2021, while we were all still reeling from COVID-19 and after a time of departmental reflection,” says Hill, professor of chemistry, associate provost for administration and faculty athletics representative. “Our students and graduates had challenged us to find ways to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment in the department.”
In response, the department held a summer retreat in 2021. According to Hill, who served as chair of the department at the time, the two-day event touched on Black at Wofford that trended on Instagram, advising methods and the difference between career advising and academic advising. The department evaluated policies and practices, developed a statement of inclusion and committed to being better.
Nadia Ferguson ’25, a chemistry major from Spartanburg, was among the first students to experience the department’s innovations. She and Storm Owens ’25, a chemistry major from Sumter, S.C., went to the major suite open house together as first-year students.
“I was already taking a chemistry class because bio filled up. When I came into Wofford, I didn’t know I could do pre-med from the chemistry track. I learned that I could at that event,” says Ferguson. “There were free snacks and a great computer lab and study spaces. Dr. Hill told us all we had to do to have access to this space all the time was major in chemistry. I joke with her that she hoodwinked me into a chem major, but I’ve loved it.”
Ferguson, who has secured a spot for the fall of 2026 to begin medical school at VCOM in Spartanburg, is working for the next year with Prisma Health to gain experience in the field. She thrived at Wofford, working in the Sandor Teszler Library and as a lab assistant in biology and a chemistry tutor; mentoring students at the Brown Girls Reads camp at Wofford; studying healthcare and Spanish in Santiago, Chile; holding a leadership position with Minorities in STEM; and placing first in an “elevator pitch” competition to explain summer research sponsored by a National Science Foundation Research Experience for Undergraduates.
“When people question my choice of major saying it’s so hard, I tell them the professors are always there for you. It was a good department to come into,” says Ferguson. “Like anything, you get out of it what you put into it.”
Hill says holding a grand reopening of the suite was an outward symbol of the refocused department. The suite has 25 designated computers, a refrigerator and microwave, cubbies for majors and a free printer. Snacks and coffee are always available.
“Chemistry has always been a department invested in our students, but after that retreat, we became more intentional, and our methods and the reopened and upgraded space reflected that,” says Hill.
MauriAnna Richardson ’25, who just took the MCAT and is applying to medical school while working as a scribe for Prisma Health Cardiology in her hometown of Columbia, S.C., came to Wofford planning to major in chemistry. She says she felt welcome and encouraged since day one.
“All of the professors want you to succeed. Every professor I’ve had has had an open door and a listening ear. None of them made me feel like I didn’t belong or that I would fail,” says Richardson. “I wouldn’t be truthful if I said some classes weren’t challenging, especially physical chemistry, but I never felt I wasn’t going to finish the course. Even when I didn’t feel confident, I knew I could find confidence in my professors, which I appreciated.”
Kleo Young ’25 knew he wanted pursue a career in chemistry after taking organic chemistry.
“I was naturally good at it when no one else was,” says Young, who double majored in biology and chemistry and ultimately plans to apply to doctoral programs and pursue a career in biochemical research. “I like problem solving, and chemistry gave me the grit I needed to challenge me.”
Young says the chemistry majors had a group chat. They studied together and shared expertise. He’s hoping to channel that energy and the department’s enthusiasm for teaching and mentoring as he leads his own ninth-grade science classroom this fall at Legacy Early College in Greenville.
“I’m excited to get to know my students and foster a love and appreciation for science,” says Young.
According to Hill, all 10 majors have positive career outcomes and are working in the field, enrolled in or applying to medical or graduate school, teaching or conducting research.
“Even in this climate of uncertainty when it comes to funding for scientific research and innovation, our majors are adapting and thriving,” says Hill. “I’m proud that our department listened and became more intentional in offering a supportive and inclusive environment.”