A Q&A with Graduating Criminal Justice and Economics Major Nikki N. Anderson

Nikki N. Anderson
Graduating Criminal Justice and Economics Major with a Marketing Minor

In this conversation, Anderson talks about graduating, next steps including heading to the Clinton School of Public Service and getting a new puppy, the importance of the crossover between the humanities and business, and her top three pieces of advice for incoming new students.

Q: Tell us a little about your academic passions, research and/or what you’re studying within the college. What excites you about this?

Within my undergraduate studies, I am studying a pretty wide range of subject areas.

I am a double major with Business Economics and Criminal Justice, and then also have a minor in marketing. This is something I’m really thankful for because the university has supported my ranging interests and provided me opportunities to customize my undergraduate education.

In my specialized studies, I have worked with the Terrorism Research Center on campus and multiple local non-profit organizations to fight issues like adoption exploitation and food insecurity.

The crossover between the humanities and business and the middle group of corporate social responsibility is something that I have always found interesting and fulfilling.

Q: How long have you been at Fulbright College? What have you enjoyed most about your time here?

I have been in Fulbright College since my freshman year in the Department of Sociology and Criminology.

The thing I have most enjoyed about my time in Fulbright College is how intentional the professors and advisors are about creating dialogue between students and teachers.

I really enjoy the focus on allowing us as students to reason through our own thoughts and discuss them in a productive way. My favorite way I’ve heard it described is “productive uncomfort.”

This college really has pushed me to look at things critically and learn about myself.

Q: What has your favorite class been so far and why?

My favorite class has been Race, Class, and Gender in America with Dr. Bustamante. It has hands down been the most interesting and thought-provoking class I have been in.

It is a highly involved class that is discussion based and allows the students to talk about sensitive subjects in a safe space.

Dr. Bustamante is excellent at facilitating discussion and not making students feel embarrassed when they might be wrong.

Q: What advice would you give to new students about to join the college?

I would have three main pieces of advice:

1. Go listen to the Old Main bells chime the Alma Mater every chance you get.
2. You don’t need to have your life figured out; honor YOUR path and trust in YOUR journey because everyone’s looks different.
3. Be protective of your time and energy because that is your secret ingredient at the end of the day.

Q: What do you like to do during your time outside of the university?

My favorite things to do when I’m not in class or doing on campus activities is to enjoy the Ozarks.

We have such a beautiful town and I love driving on Old Highway 71 with my windows down and music up.

I have two dogs and love walking them around the square and also am an avid live-music fan so I get up to the Amp every chance I can.

Q: When do you anticipate graduating, and what’s up next on the horizon for you?

I am graduating this May and a move to Little Rock will be on the horizon for me for graduate school at the Clinton School of Public Service.

Personally though, I just got a new puppy so that is something else exciting on the horizon.