From student to professor, Bingham’s back
0Written By Christian Wright
Every new year brings new faces around UPIKE. This year is no different as a new face was added to the faculty with Visiting Instructor of Religion Sumer Bingham.
Bingham brings a mix of both local and foreign flare. Graduating from nearby East Ridge High School as well as being a member of the final Pikeville College class (2011), Bingham brings a knowledge of the region that few professors on campus can brag about. After graduating from PC, however, Bingham spent a couple of years in England, earning her master’s degree in religion from the University of Bristol. She described her experiences across the pond as “the most enriching experiences of my entire life,” and “the best decision I’ve ever made.”
Though a professor of religion, Bingham originally majored in Psychology and aspired to be a therapist. It wasn’t until early in her undergraduate studies under Dr. James Browning, associate professor of religion, that she began to gain a love for the study of religion, especially, as she describes, “the psychological aspect of it.” She added religion as a second major and chose to pursue religious studies as a post-grad.
When asked why she decided to go into teaching, her response was simple “I love being an inspiration and learning new things.”
Having taught some classes both in the spring and summer semesters this year, 2014 makes Bingham’s first year teaching on a full-time basis. She described the transition as “tough … but I love it.”
She’s enjoying her time so far with all the faculty, staff, and students as she works hard to remove the label of “Visiting Professor.”