Rising Furman University Seniors Shine in the Spotlight

Greenville, South Carolina – May 3, 2020

Davis Cousar

Davis Cousar, a senior majoring in Politics & International Affairs and Economics at Furman University, is setting his sights high after an impactful college experience. With a commitment to eliminating institutional discrimination and barriers to equality, Davis has already traveled to 15 countries through Furman programs. His internship at the Georgia Innocence Project further solidified his dedication to social justice. In the fall, he is set to start a research assistant position at the American Institutes for Research in Washington, D.C., focusing on education equality. Additionally, Davis has been accepted to the International Political Economy master’s program at the London School of Economics, displaying his drive to make a global impact.

Tyrese Byrd

Music has been a central part of Tyrese Byrd’s journey at Furman University, where he majored in Music, specifically Vocal Performance. From performing Handel’s “Messiah” to pursuing opportunities with the Furman Singers and Chamber Choir, Tyrese’s talent and dedication have shone bright. With a full scholarship in hand, he will be attending graduate school at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre, and Dance in the fall. Tyrese credits his professors and mentors at Furman for shaping him into a well-rounded musician ready to take on new challenges.

Zach Jasper

Zach Jasper, a native of Cumming, Georgia, surprised himself by majoring in Spanish on his pre-med journey at Furman University. His goal of becoming a bilingual doctor led him to realize the importance of communication in healthcare. Witnessing the impact good communication can have on patients, Zach is determined to bridge the language gap between doctors and their diverse patient populations. Starting medical school in the fall at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine Greenville, Zach plans to utilize his Spanish skills to be a more inclusive and compassionate healthcare provider.

Morgan Franklin

Morgan Franklin, a Cellular and Molecular Biology major at Furman University, found a perfect balance between her passion for lacrosse and her drive to pursue a pre-med degree. As a Division I athlete and a dedicated student, Morgan learned valuable lessons in time management and work ethic. Her experiences on the lacrosse field and in the classroom have shaped her into a well-rounded individual prepared for the challenges ahead. With plans to attend the Medical College of Georgia in the fall, Morgan hopes to continue her journey towards becoming a healthcare professional who makes a difference in the lives of her patients.

Kelsey Milian

Kelsey Milian, a double major in Educational Studies and Sociology, is embarking on a new academic adventure in ethnomusicology at the City University of New York. Born in Tennessee and raised in Mexico and Guatemala, Kelsey’s diverse background has fueled her curiosity about music and cultural identity. Engaged in various initiatives at Furman related to diversity and inclusion, Kelsey is determined to make an impact in the field of music education. With a Ph.D. program on the horizon, Kelsey is poised to delve deeper into the influence of Western music on cultural identity.

Shekinah Lightner

Shekinah Lightner, a standout student at Furman University, made history as one of the student representatives on the Task Force on Slavery and Justice. Inspired by her professors in politics and international affairs, Shekinah is pursuing a joint Ph.D. program in public policy and political science at the University of Michigan this fall. Encouraged by the impactful work of the Task Force at Furman, Shekinah is dedicated to addressing issues of race and inequality through her research and advocacy. With a Hollingsworth Scholarship in hand, she is ready to continue making a positive difference in the world.

Xinxin (Anna) Zhang

Anna Zhang, a History and Religion major at Furman University, found her passion for Christianity through personal experiences and academic exploration. Delving into Church History, Anna is set to begin a master’s program at Columbia University’s Union Theological Seminary in the fall. Her journey from ignorance about Christianity to deep academic interest showcases her dedication to learning and understanding. With a mentor like Professor Tim Fehler guiding her research, Anna is ready to pursue her scholarly interests and contribute to the field of religious studies.

Author: STAFF HERE GREENVILLE

The HERE Greenville Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Greenville community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Greenville Our team includes lifelong Greenville residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent sales in the Heritage Historic District 17 , Greenville’s textile and railroad heritage 2 , and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Greenville Technical College programs) 27 . Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Greenville Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.