Undergraduate

Leyton Turk

  • Class

    Class of 2027
  • Program

    B.A. in Rhetoric, Psychology; minor in Military Science ( College of Liberal Arts )
  • Quick Intro

    Leyton is majoring in Philosophy and Rhetoric with a minor in Military Science. On campus, he is involved in Sigma Chi Fraternity as the Chaplain, A member of CRU, and the Incumbent Vice President of the Ole Miss Christian Apologetics Club.
Leyton smiling at the camera, sitting on stone stairs.

Why did you choose to attend UM?

Why did I choose UM- I was a week away from enlisting in the Marines. I was fortunate to get a call from UM offering me a significant scholarship. The best thing about UM is the opportunity it presents. If you choose to come here, you will have ample opportunity to make friends, better your financial position, study interesting topics, and so much more. If you want it, we have it. Any questions? 

Why did I choose UM- I was a week away from enlisting in the Marines. I was fortunate to get a call from UM offering me a significant scholarship. The best thing about UM is the opportunity it presents. If you choose to come here, you will have ample opportunity to make friends, better your financial position, study interesting topics, and so much more. If you want it, we have it. Any questions? 

What would you tell a high school student about your major? What is most important for them to know if they are interested in pursuing that field of study?

The most important thing to know is that you can learn a lot from your peers. Our Philosophy department is full of extremely intelligent and knowledgeable people. You will get to talk Philosophy all the time and hear many different ideas.  

The most important thing to know is that you can learn a lot from your peers. Our Philosophy department is full of extremely intelligent and knowledgeable people. You will get to talk Philosophy all the time and hear many different ideas.  

Why is your department a special place?

The Philosophy Department is special because it is small enough that you can expect to have the same professors for several different classes, but it is also well funded, so you can expect lots of extracurricular activities hosted by the department. One of my favorites is a debate team called Ethics Bowl. There is also ample opportunity to work for the department. For example, I often work for the Center for Practical Ethics as a Moderator.  
The Philosophy Department is special because it is small enough that you can expect to have the same professors for several different classes, but it is also well funded, so you can expect lots of extracurricular activities hosted by the department. One of my favorites is a debate team called Ethics Bowl. There is also ample opportunity to work for the department. For example, I often work for the Center for Practical Ethics as a Moderator.  

What class or professor has had the most impact on you?

I am currently taking a class from the Department Chair, Dr. Skultety, on Plato's Republic. It is a fascinating book for many reasons. It has completely changed my outlook on classical philosophy. I am presented with new questions on the nature of reality every day. 

I am currently taking a class from the Department Chair, Dr. Skultety, on Plato's Republic. It is a fascinating book for many reasons. It has completely changed my outlook on classical philosophy. I am presented with new questions on the nature of reality every day. 

What do you hope to do after graduation? What are your career goals/plans?

I intend to continue serving with the Army National Guard by commissioning as an infantry officer in May of 2027. I hope to lead men into battle one day.  

I intend to continue serving with the Army National Guard by commissioning as an infantry officer in May of 2027. I hope to lead men into battle one day.  

What is one thing you wish you knew as an incoming freshman that you'd tell your past self (about the general college experience)?

I wish I had spent more time making connections in my classes and at campus events. I spent a lot of time trying to get loose on the Square. I'll be the first to tell you- it's nothing but trouble.  

I wish I had spent more time making connections in my classes and at campus events. I spent a lot of time trying to get loose on the Square. I'll be the first to tell you- it's nothing but trouble.  

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