Department of Political Science Assistant Professor Chris Day and Department of Sociology and Anthropology Visiting Assistant Professor Kim Pyszka are among our new faculty members in the School of Humanities and Social Sciences this year. Unlike the rest of the new faculty, however, learning the location of on-campus buildings like Robert Scott Small Building, Randolf Hall, and Addlestone Library were easy–Professors Day and Pyszka are College of Charleston (CofC) alumni!
Chris Day (’95)
While at CofC, Professor Day double-majored in political science and anthropology. Current faculty members Dr. John Creed and Dr. John Rashford were his academic advisers at the time. Now, they are his colleagues.
Professor Day with his family in Murchison National Park in Uganda.
Chris specializes in comparative politics with an emphasis on African politics, political violence, and civil wars. His teaching specialties are in global political theory and humanitarian aid and politics. Chris’ research focus is on the survival of rebel groups in Africa.
In addition to his on-site experiences, Chris was inspired by the HSS faculty that mentored him. Chris said:
“I was an aid worker with Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) for a number of years, working primarily in African conflict zones and dealing with various rebel groups in order to get aid to populations in crisis. During these experiences, I had an up-close-and-personal view of rebel organization and behavior. I would also say that my overall interest in Africa came from my time as an undergrad at CofC. John Creed and John Rashford had a big impact.”
Kim Pyszka (’92)
Professor Pyszka on a dig at Dixie Plantation in Charleston, SC.
Originally a history major, Professor Kim Pyszka switched her major to anthropology within a few weeks of taking ANTH 101 with Dr. Brad Huber—just another example of the impact our HSS faculty have on students. “I credit Dr. Huber for getting me started down my career path,” she said. At the time, Kim concentrated in archaeology. Now, one of our many fast-growing departments offers students the opportunity to minor in archaeology.
Kim specializes in historical archaeology in the Southeast. She is currently researching the early colonial period of South Carolina, but has also done 19th century Appalachian sites. Her research interests include landscape archaeology, frontier studies, and African Diaspora archaeology.
Professor Pyszka is excited to be back in Lowcountry, especially for the archaeological resources the area has to offer. Kim said:
Between the history and tradition of the campus and the city, plus amazing archaeological resources at the College’s Dixie Plantation, it’s great being back in Charleston and being a part of the CofC community again!
To find out more about the various undergraduate programs our School offers, click here.