Kyle Gipson '13

Kyle, a native of Austin, Texas, is a sociology major and assists the associate dean of student affairs/director of multicultural affairs. He is a cofounder of the Multiracial Students Colloquium, participates in the Neighborhood for Social Activism, and is part of the Media and Difference Project.

What drew me to Bard was that it’s academically rigorous and socially liberal. It’s very gay friendly, very open-minded, which is important to me. It’s unusual to find a campus as tolerant as Bard, but with such high intellectual standards. That’s a good combination.

First-Year Seminar helped me find my academic interest. I had planned to be a literature major, but in First-Year Seminar I noticed I was drawn to readings in the social sciences, and that I was extrapolating sociological themes from the readings.

Since this is a small college, it’s easy to develop leadership skills because it’s not overwhelming to try to initiate something, like a new club. Another advantage of Bard’s size is that you get a lot more one-on-one time with professors. You get the chance to be influenced and guided. That helps you to shine and make your intellectual adventure your own.