Tommy Preston, Jr. has plans for his future, big plans. Since his freshman year, Tommy has set about making his plans a reality. In doing so, he has made his mark on the University of South Carolina community, a mark that will be felt long after he graduates. While there is no doubt that Tommy Preston is an exceptional student, he exemplifies the concept that civic involvement and academic achievement together form the cornerstone upon which a life of public service is built.

The son of Tommy Preston, Sr. and Jessie Smith of Clemson, SC, Tommy's contributions to the University community are almost too many to name. He has served on numerous University and College of Arts and Sciences committees, mentored younger students in Richland School District One, coordinated Cocky's Reading Express to promote literacy throughout South Carolina, volunteered for Katrina disaster relief, served the University student body as a member of Freshman Council, Student Senator, chair of the Student Minority Affairs committee, and Student Body Treasurer. But his most visible and perhaps most impressive achievement is his recent election as Student Body President for the 2006-2007 academic year. Tommy is both humbled and excited to serve his fellow students in this capacity.

Equal in importance to Tommy's service activity is his academic career. The recipient of a Bill Gates Millenium Scholarship, Tommy has built an excellent record of academic achievement as a political science major and history minor in the College of Arts and Sciences. While Tommy is the kind of student who would excel in any academic program anywhere, he credits the superb teaching in the Department of Political Science and the Department of History with much of his success: Professors Laura Woliver, Mark Tompkins, Don Fowler, Blease Graham, Charlie Tyer, Marjorie Spruill, Dan Carter, Todd Shaw, Ken Peters, and Ron Atkinson have all influenced and encouraged him.

Tommy's immediate plan following graduation is law school, but after that, he's headed for a career in public service, specifically politics. Campaigning for Student Body President has given him a taste of what running for political office will be like, and he likes the prospect. Tommy intends to be elected to the United States Congress in the not- too-distant future, and hopes that after a long and productive career in national politics, he'll be able to serve in another capacity as a college president. Our hope is that he will perhaps return to his alma mater and take up residence on the Horseshoe.

For his leadership, his service to the University community, and his commitment to academic excellence, as well as the promise of all that he will become, the College of Arts and Sciences is proud to name Tommy Preston, Jr. as our May student of the month.

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