The College of Arts and Sciences aspires to transform the lives of our students and improve the world they will inhabit. Students such as Nicole Modeen set the pace at which we must work to achieve this vision, and it is a fast pace indeed.

As a senior international studies major, Nicole’s sense of engagement with the world she will soon enter is exceptional. The recipient of a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholarship, she has recently returned from a semester abroad at the American University in Cairo, Egypt, where she undertook intensive studies in Arabic language. Nicole describes her study abroad in Cairo as the most significant experience of her undergraduate career since it has given her the opportunity to study Arabic full-time, immerse herself in the culture of the Middle East, and develop lasting relationships with people in the region. The skills and perspectives she has gained while in Cairo will do much to advance her prospects for graduate study in international relations and conflict resolution, and ultimately for her chosen career in conflict mediation in the Middle East.

Since she began her studies at the University of South Carolina, Nicole has distinguished herself in both scholarship and leadership. She has been named to the prestigious President’s List for several semesters as well as the Dean’s List every semester. This is no small feat considering the rigor of the academic program she has chosen; besides her major in international studies, Nicole has studied widely in history, French, German, and Arabic. During the spring 2006 term, she participated in the South Carolina Honors College’s Washington semester where she interned with the Aspen Institute, an international nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering international dialogue and leadership development. Nicole is actively engaged in the life of the University of South Carolina campus. She serves as the activities director for French House, a live-learning community for French language and culture, and enjoys greeting and informing prospective students and other guests in her role as a University Ambassador for the Visitor Center. Nicole has held a number of other leadership roles in Student Government, the Residence Hall Association, and Preston Residential College. She also works in the Institute for Southern Studies, assisting the faculty and staff with administrative tasks.

In her work as a University Ambassador, Nicole encourages prospective students to get to know their professors, because our faculty are the greatest and most important resource for students as they define and accomplish their intellectual and professional goals. Nicole has taken her own advice, and values the teaching and mentoring of numerous Arts and Sciences professors. Of these, Professor Ken Perkins of the Department of History is certainly one of the most noteworthy in supporting her interest in the Middle East and its peoples and cultures

The daughter of Jan and Dave Modeen of Charlotte, NC, Nicole Modeen exemplifies the broad perspectives, engagement with the world, and commitment to excellence that the College seeks for all of our students. We are proud to name her our student of the month for October, and we look forward to her future accomplishments.

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