In November, shortly after the presidential election, Professor Haynes informed my peers and me of a post-election discussion that would be hosted at the Special Collections Library with speakers and panelists including Patricia Murphy, Trey Hood, James Cobb, Seth C. McKee, Joe Watson, Ronald Keith Gaddie, Charles Bullock, and Richard B. Russell, all of whom are legends in their respective corners of Southern politics. I of course immediately made plans to attend.
Lasting just over an hour, the panel was highly informative. It was also a rare occasion, as some of the guests were visiting from across the state and even the country. I appreciated hearing opinions on current events from seasoned professionals in the field. Also, I believe the event aided in quelling some post-election anxiety by giving students, faculty, and community members an opportunity to witness others contend with the results.
Following the panel, I joined Professor Haynes, who had been seated a few rows down from me. Together we made our way through the crowd, stopping to chat with other attendees and faculty members. Eventually Professor Haynes and I were standing at the front of the room, and before I knew it she was introducing me to Charles Bullock, my now professor. Professor Trey Hood and Professor Joe Watson joined our conversation and soon I was mingling with essentially half of the political science department.
Behind us stood Patricia Murphy, one of the event’s panelists and the senior political columnist for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Professor Haynes introduced the two of us and shortly thereafter we were wrapped up in a conversation of our own heading towards the reception together. I enjoyed getting to talk to Ms. Murphy and learn about her many experiences in politics. While preparing to leave she gave me a business card and extended an invitation to Atlanta. That was the start of Ms. Murphy and I’s symbiotic professional relationship. Throughout the past year we have remained in contact, and she has been a big help to me in my academic career. I am so glad to have a faculty member like Professor Haynes and a community like SPIA to develop under.
Author
Sadie Eubanks
