Graduate Student Spotlight: Christopher Harris
Christopher Harris is from Clayton, North Carolina, and went to school at Morehouse
College for his undergraduate degree. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from
Morehouse College, a Master of Divinity from Wake Forest School of Divinity, and a
Master of Theology with a focus in Ethics from Vanderbilt University.
He currently resides in Memphis, TN where he is currently getting his Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric from the University of Memphis. In addition to being a graduate student at the UofM, he works as the Graduate Student Association President, is a member of the Black Graduate Student Association, and is an intern at Christ Missionary Baptist Church where he serves in various roles. In his spare time, he is an avid reader and loves to watch sports and go to the gym.
HOW DID YOUR PASSION IMPACT YOUR AREA(S) OF STUDY?
Because I'm passionate about seeing people live their best lives and helping and being present with people as needed, I came to the UofM to pursue my Ph.D. in Communication and Rhetoric with an area focus on African American (religious) rhetoric. Under the mentorship of Dr. Andre Johnson, this focus is guided by an interdisciplinary framework that (re)imagines discourses in theology, sociology, and cultural theory.
WHY WAS THE UNIVERSITY OF MEMPHIS THE RIGHT FIT FOR YOU?
It was the right choice for me because it allowed me opportunities that I wouldn’t have dreamed of and being a part of my department has allowed me to think outside the box in relation to my ideas of research and what I hope to accomplish one day.
ONE WORD THAT DESCRIBES YOUR TIME AT UOFM SO FAR:
“JOURNEY”. I am continuing to learn more and more about myself, and as I start my second year of my program, I am looking forward to where this journey continues to take me.
A PIECE OF ADVICE FOR FUTURE UOFM GRAD STUDENTS:
Embrace and find a good community. Having a great group of friends, colleagues, and community, will help as you navigate the winding roads of graduate school.
AFTER GETTING YOUR PHD WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS?
After graduation, I plan on living in my purpose which is fulfilling and life-giving for me. I hope to pursue a career in academia, church, and non-profit work.
