Josie Hilton (Class of 2018)

During my time as an Anthropology major at USA, I gained an invaluable foundation in understanding human systems, diverse perspectives, and holistic design that I still use every single day. The faculty within the Anthropology program provided mentorship that extended far beyond the classroom, constantly encouraging me to see the connections between historical data, cultural development, and modern community needs. I will always be grateful for the supportive environment they created, which allowed me to explore my unique interdisciplinary interests.

Focusing on biological anthropology and museum studies provided me with hands-on training that I’ve used throughout my career in public education. In particular, the opportunity to study abroad in Europe on the “Cities of the Dead” program provided an unforgettable look at how human life, death, and culture are preserved and interpreted for the public across sites like Pompeii, Herculaneum, Paris cemeteries, and the Tower of London. After graduating from South, I received a position as an Education Coordinator at the Exploreum Science Center, where I designed interactive biological science curricula and community outreach programs.

After earning my Master’s degree in education, I transitioned to secondary education and now work as a marine science and biology teacher at Daphne High School, where I am also pursuing advanced research in instructional design. In the classroom, my background in Anthropology allows me to cultivate critical thinking and structural understanding in my students, helping them see science not just as a collection of facts, but as a deeply human endeavor. The global perspective and training I received at South was truly instrumental in shaping my approach to educational architecture and student mentorship.