Charles Conner

Why did you choose PPL as your major and what was the appeal of the Lott program?

I chose PPL as my major because it offered something that other schools and programs didn't, a holistic approach to the government and the policymaking process. The appeal of the Lott program for me is that it is small enough where you can get to know everyone and form personal connections with your professors. The community of the Lott program is something that you can't find anywhere else on campus and is one of the things that makes this program so great.

What are your career aspirations?

In the future I want to go on into the law field, possibly working in trial law but at this point I'm not sure. I think that my background in PPL will help me develop the critical thinking and public speaking skills necessary for this kind of job. But if law doesn't work out I would be interested in working in the policy field.

Is there a professor that has been particularly helpful to you?

A professor that has been particularly helpful to me is Dr. Holland. I have taken around three classes with him and I have traveled abroad with him, and all of these experiences have helped me come to appreciate his teaching style. Coming into PPL 101 I was thrown right in by his class and was able to develop important skills like writing and public speaking.

What is a particularly meaningful way you have engaged in a community either on or off campus?

A particularly meaningful connection that I have made on campus is the Ole Miss Mock Trial Team. Over the past year I have been able to see the team grow and become a better leader by dedicating myself to seeing us succeed. It was through the effort of me and our other team leaders that we were able to take our mock trial team to the Opening Round Championship Series in person for the first time ever.