McNeilly Completes first Interdisciplinary Environmental Studies Minor

Montgomery, Ala.— Huntingdon College Class of 2021 graduate George “Mac” McNeilly of Windermere, Florida, became the first Huntingdon graduate to complete the Environmental Studies minor, one of three interdisciplinary minors introduced in 2018.

“I remember when I saw the announcement for the interdisciplinary minors,” said McNeilly. “Environmental justice and social justice are topics I’m passionate about. I think it’s cool that Huntingdon gave me the opportunity to study what I’m passionate about without having to pick up a second major.”

McNeilly graduated with a business administration major and plans to pursue an MBA in the future. For his first two years following his walk across Huntingdon’s Top Stage, the site of graduation ceremonies, he will work with Sigma Nu fraternity at the national level. “While the minor will not have an impact on my work for the next couple of years, as my career progresses, it will,” said McNeilly. “When I make decisions in business that impact the environment, I’ll have a much better idea of the factors that should be considered. I’ll be able to make decisions that are better-informed.”

Interdisciplinary minors allow students to complete courses that are related to a common topic but offered under a variety of disciplinary areas. For the Environmental Studies minor, courses are offered in biology, geography, political science, religion, and sociology. Other interdisciplinary minors are offered in Global Studies, Women’s Studies, Public Policy, and a new minor in African American Studies, introduced this year.

“What I like about the interdisciplinary minors is you’re not restricted to just one field,” said McNeilly. “You’re really getting a broad understanding of the topic. I’m grateful that I was the first to graduate with this minor, but I don’t want to be the last. Students should sign up for these minors. I think, regarding environmental studies, the environment is something we all can impact. Our world needs people beyond scientists who understand the breadth of issues and can participate in finding solutions.”

McNeilly came to Huntingdon as a prospective wrestler on the College’s intercollegiate wrestling team, but says he stayed “because of the investment the faculty and older peers put into me. Huntingdon really delivers on its promise to foster growth. As I progressed through my classes, I wanted to reciprocate for those who are younger than I am.” During his four years he served as president and in other offices for Sigma Nu fraternity; vice president for the Student Government Association; an Orientation Leader; a member of the Athletics and Student Affairs Committee; and four-time president of the Ultimate Frisbee Club, a club he founded. He also served a term as Mr. Huntingdon. “I love being involved because it’s important to me to leave things a little better than I found them—and I feel the same way about the planet and the environment.”

To learn more about Huntingdon’s interdisciplinary minors and all Huntingdon academic programs, consult the College Catalog at www.huntingdon.edu/catalogs.

Huntingdon College, founded in 1854, continues a legacy of faith, wisdom, and service through a liberal arts academic tradition grounded in the Judeo-Christian heritage of the United Methodist Church.

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