Making Their Mark on the World ...

Dr. Christine Browning, '97

I graduated from Crichton College in December 1997. In my opinion, there are a series of miracles surrounding my time at Crichton, beyond just being there.

My degree is in Psychology. One of my main professors, and my advisor, was Dr. Bill Chaney. His Christ-like character whether teaching, advising or listening to my litany of fear s surrounding learning, and his example of what a Godly man looks like literally changed my life. Drs. Holler and Callis, John Walker, John Hodges, Effie Jones and Debbie Graham were also individuals at Crichton College who made a positive and permanent difference in my life.

A childhood history of abuse and many other factors figured into my initial pursuit of an undergraduate degree at 42 years of age -- but I began, finished and went on to succeed in graduate work largely because of Dr. Chaney's Godly influence in my life.

The paragraph listed under my name on the graduation bulletin from Crichton College in 1997 says something like this: "I want to give back to the community at least a portion of the blessings I have received as a student at Crichton College."

With the continued encouragement, support and mentoring of Dr. Bill Chaney and others, I went on to receive three additional degrees. Once I had earned a master's degree in School Psychology, I came back to Crichton (2000) and continued to teach as an adjunct instructor throughout the completion of Masters and Education Specialist degrees in School Psychology from the University of Memphis (2000 and 2001, respectively) and a Ph.D. in Educational Psychology from the University of Mississippi (2004).

I was hired as an Assistant Professor of Psychology at Crichton College in January 2006, and hope to continue on as a full time faculty member for many years to come. Dr. Chaney and Dr. Holler are now my colleagues! I sometimes have to pinch myself to remember that I am truly living my dream!

I thank God for the people at Crichton College who made an imprint of Christ on my life, and pray daily that I am following that example by leaving an imprint of Christ on the lives of the students I teach, mentor and pray for.