Macon State College MVPs is a web feature that profiles notable students, alumni, faculty and staff.
Psychology major Lauren Pierson Lee has been accepted into the Ph.D program in clinical medical psychology at Mercer University.
Full Name: Lauren Pierson Lee.
Age: 27.
Hometown: Culloden.
Residence: Russellville.
High School: Monroe Academy.
Family: Husband, Keven Lee; father, Robert Holloway Pierson III (Bobby); mother, Janet Storey; stepfather, Larry Storey; brother, Robby Pierson.
Current Employment: Riverside Animal Hospital. After graduation, Lee will be working at the Masonic Home of Georgia as a social worker.
Degree Objective: Bachelor of science in psychology.
Class Rank: Senior.
Activities: Macon State Honors Society, Psychology Club.
Career Goals: “I hope to be able to work with veterans in a medical setting, or as a staff psychologist at a medical practice. My goal is to be able to help people with medical ailments overcome psychological obstacles that accompany their ailments or disabilities.”
She chose Macon State College because … “I wanted to be able to obtain my bachelor’s degree without accruing any debt, and also be able to stay close to my family and job. Macon State has a reputation of being a challenging college environment while also keeping costs within a reasonable budget.”
The one thing that surprised her about Macon State was … “The quality of the professors I have encountered while pursuing my degree in psychology. They challenge students to think outside the box while also teaching the fundamentals of psychology in an interesting way. After deciding to pursue my Ph.D and studying for and taking the GRE subject test in psychology, I recognize that my professors have prepared me to excel past the strong foundation they have provided.”
Her favorite professors are … “Dr. Charles Cliett and Dr. Bill Upton. I first encountered Dr. Cliett in biopsychology. This class is also the subject in which he acquired his Ph.D from the University of Georgia. He was full of knowledge on the subject and I found myself looking forward to this class. His blatantly honest approach is refreshing and this class turned me in the direction of my current Ph.D pursuit. I appreciated his desire to teach students as much as they are willing to learn, and then some. He also taught psych statistics and experimental psych, both of which caused me to learn what I was capable of and to shed a few tears. Dr. Upton has been my advisor for most of my college career. He has always been supportive in pursuing my goals. Dr. Upton was my professor in human growth and development, psychological testing, and research methods. He challenges his students to produce at their utmost ability. I will admit I was very challenged in all of his classes, and he has also given me more Bs than any other professor.”
Her favorite place to study is … “In my recliner. Many hours have been spent there preparing for tests and writing papers over the past several years. While my recliner has moved between homes, it has always been the constant in my life that provides a quiet and comfortable place to concentrate. Also, the view from my recliner is my beautiful yard of pecan trees and flowers which provides a much needed break from staring at my computer screen."
One thing people don’t know about her is … “I was a cheerleader in middle and high school.”
Her friends make fun of her because … “I’m country. My southern drawl is strong, and I love fishing, shooting guns (at non-living things) and playing in the dirt. I’ve been told that I look like a girl, but play like a tomboy.”
The one person she’d most like to meet is … “My grandfather, Bee. We’ve met before, but he died when I was five. I’d give anything to have a conversation with him because he’s been the most influential person in my life who hasn’t been around. I remember him as an infallible giant who always made me feel like the most important little girl in the world. My drive and ambition is derived from a desire to make him, and all of my family, proud of me.”
Five years from now she sees herself … “Finishing my Ph.D as an intern at a VA hospital or medical practice. One thing I have learned in life, though, is that you very rarely wind up where you imagine yourself being. To quote the Zac Brown Band, ‘It’s strange/How I'm taken and guided/Where I end up right I'm needed to be.’”