Abbie Beatty graduated summa cum laude from JSU and was the bellringer for the ceremony at the end of the Fall 2020 semester. Originally from Jacksonville, Abbie majored in Drama and minored in English to earn her baccalaureate degree.

Why did you decide to attend JSU?

Jacksonville has always been home for me, but the people at JSU truly made me feel welcomed and excited about starting college! I received scholarship offers from JSU, and I knew that I would have so many opportunities to get involved and learn. I knew JSU was the right place for me!

Why did you choose your major?

I was always told that when choosing what you want to do with your life, make sure you pick something you truly enjoy. I have always had a passion for the arts and theatre, and I had a few friends in the Theatre and Film Department who loved it and helped me decide to declare my major!

In your opinion, what is the best thing about the Theatre and Film Department?

My favorite thing about the department is how closely the students and faculty work together. I quickly established relationships with my peers and professors which helped me stay motivated and made all of my work in the department more meaningful. We do A LOT of work outside of classes, so these connections are important and make our time spent working worthwhile. I knew that my professors were there to support me and that I always had a friend in my classmates.

What clubs/organizations were you involved in?

I was a Gamecock Orientation Leader and Coordinator, a group leader for the Marching Ballerinas, and a GoGo HardCorps dancer. I am a sister of Alpha Xi Delta, and I served on our executive board along with serving as the Vice President of Alpha Psi Omega National Theatre Honor Society. I was also a JSU cheerleader my freshman year!

What is your favorite thing to eat and/or drink on/off campus?

My favorite on campus dining location is the Red Rooster! My roommates and I loved going there. My favorite off campus restaurants are definitely Heirloom Taco and Coop de Ville!

Where was your favorite place to hang out on campus?

I love to be outside on campus when it’s warm! My friends and I loved to hang up our hammocks and study or just hang out! We always went to the patch of trees behind Curtiss Hall.

What is your favorite performance that you did while at JSU?

This is a tough question. My favorite show that I worked on was Anne Frank, but it was unfortunately cancelled, so we never got to perform it. My favorite show that I performed in was She Kills Monsters! I learned a lot of new, cool things for that show, and working on it was so much fun! I also had the opportunity to perform with the Marching Southerners at BOA Grand Nationals and in Italy at the New Year’s World Peace Parade! These were definitely the most rewarding performances as a Ballerina.

How did it feel to be the bell ringer at your graduation ceremony?

The bell ringing is one of my favorite traditions at JSU. I felt honored to be able to ring the bell to close out our undergraduate journey just as I did to welcome us in at our Freshman Convocation! It was sentimental—I couldn’t believe my time as a JSU student had gone by so fast!

Who is your favorite actor/actress?

Meryl Streep. Sutton Foster. Jeremy Jordan. Anne Hathaway. Just to name a few. I can’t pick just one!

What are your hobbies?

Whenever I have free time, I love to read. I also love to dance, and I’m so glad I got to do it at JSU!

What are your post-grad plans?

I am staying at JSU to earn a master’s degree and am working as a Graduate Assistant in First- and Second-Year Experience. I’m so excited to continue my education and time at JSU!

What graduate program are you enrolled in? What’s your current impression of it?

I am currently enrolled in the Secondary Education graduate program. I love it so far! My professors are very helpful, and I am enjoying learning more about education and teaching.

What do you plan to do once you have completed your graduate program?

After completing the program, I plan to find work in either Secondary or Higher Education!

What advice would you give a student who is new to JSU?

Don’t wait to make the most out of your time at JSU. Stay on top of your academics and find a team, an activity, or an organization that you want to be a part of. The connections you make and the resources you will have will make your college experience so much better!

What is a course you would recommend to a freshman at JSU?

I may be biased, but take Intro to Theatre! If you need an elective, take Acting 1! If you are interested in theatre or acting at all, it’s a great experience.