Jody Pierce was nominated by Dr. Angela Wadsworth, Lecturer, Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice and his sister, Vicki Brown, who says, “I think he is very deserving of this honor as this semester was quite challenging for him.”  Dr. Wadsworth says, “Jody was one of the few students in the class who had perfect attendance last semester. His assignments (an average of 2 a week) were always complete and turned in on time; if he found himself wrestling with concepts or questions he made time to come by my office and ask for clarification. Jody took responsibility for his education by making the most of his time in the course. I have every confidence that he will continue to excel.”

Jody is a 34-year old senior majoring in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology.  He has been on the Dean’s List and a member of Alpha Sigma Lambda, a National Honor Society for Non-Traditional Students, Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society. He also attends Springfield P.F.W.B. Church and works with the elderly in his community.

Jody returned to college after receiving an Associate's degree and for many years, tried to complete his BA, but had to stop and start several times due to health conditions of both he and his mother.  He returned once, after having had back surgery, while juggling work with his school schedule.  But that seemed small compared to the last two years when Jody’s mother, who had been in remission from cancer, began to battle it again.  So Jody cared for her as well as his elderly, ill grandmother.  In the fall of 2005, his mother’s health took a turn for the worse.  Jody had promised her that he would finish school, no matter what happened, and despite her recent death he continues to keep his promise.  Although he considers this his greatest achievement, he is also proud to be graduating this semester with a cumulative 4.0 GPA.

Jody says that both the Criminal Justice and Sociology Departments at UNCW have been especially helpful to him; including Dr. Wadsworth, Dr. LaGrange, Dr. Evans, Dr. Adams, Dr. Willis, Dr. McNamee, Dr. Faulkner, Dr. Toth, and Dr. McDaniel.  He also credits his sister, brother-in-law, grandmother, and especially his mother, for their “support, assistance, love, and concern…All of these people believed in me and my ability to succeed.”

Jody’s advice to other non-trads is to “never give up!  You can accomplish anything that you set your mind to. Pray and believe that God will carry you through no matter how difficult and challenging the situation may be.  Don’t be afraid to ask for help from others and trust your professors and seek their advice and help.”

Jody’s goal after graduation is to work in the field of criminal justice with juveniles and to pursue a Master’s degree.

The Seahawk Perch congratulates Jody Pierce as our December 2005 Non-Trad of the Month!