A Young Man on the Run

Between internships, cross country, and campus life, FMU senior Tyson Jackson has stayed busy as he prepares for the road ahead.

“The classroom experience at FMU is great,” says Tyson Jackson, but nothing beats a little hands-on experience.

The Florence native is getting a taste of that … well, first hand. 

Since enrolling at FMU in 2021, the Supply Chain and Economics double major has worked in the School of Business office, completed an internship at The Post and Courier, and is currently an apprentice at the North Eastern Strategic Alliance (NESA), a business development and recruiting entity that’s based in Florence.

All three experiences allowed him to take the information gleaned in the classroom and apply it to the real world. Because of these positions, Jackson feels more prepared to begin a career when he graduates next spring.

“One of the things that I appreciate most about FMU, and particularly the School of Business, is that there are so many opportunities for me as a student to learn about the business world besides just inside the classroom,” says Jackson. “One of the activities outside of the classroom I really enjoyed was the etiquette dinner. It provided me with skills I will need as I begin my career in just a few months.” 

At NESA, Jackson is utilizing databases to gather information for businesses looking to relocate or expand in this nine-county region. This experience has been invaluable to Jackson.

Last summer, Jackson completed a marketing internship at The Post and Courier – Pee Dee. He managed the paper’s social media accounts and coordinated its planned events, while also assisting the marketing director with various tasks. During his time at The Post and Courier, he received a Digital Marketing certification, a professional credential he added to his already lengthy resume. 

A native of Florence, the student-athlete has made the most of his collegiate years at Francis Marion University.

During his time working in the School of Business office, he assisted faculty at events and created content for the School of Business’s social media campaigns. This position allowed him to work with not only students and faculty, but also business owners in the region. The networking experience he received during this time prepared him for the internships that followed and have helped him in the classroom.   

The senior says he chose to study supply chain management because he likes the idea of managing different projects in the business world.

“I’ve also always had a passion for economics because it answers all of today’s questions and gives you a better understanding of everything around you.” 

When choosing a college a few years ago, Jackson had no doubt FMU was the right fit for him. 

He says he was drawn to FMU initially because it is close to home and it’s where his sister, August Marie Bazen, is an Early Childhood Education major. 

“Seeing the experience my sister had at FMU made me very eager to attend the university as well,” says Jackson. “She grew so much academically in just her first year at Francis Marion. I knew that I wanted to be a part of the special environment at FMU and follow her example.”

Another reason he chose FMU is because he did not want to incur any student debt. 

“It was very important to me to go to a university where I would not only get the best education possible, but would also be able to graduate with little to no debt,” says Jackson. “Francis Marion has afforded me this opportunity and I couldn’t be happier with my decision.”

In high school, Jackson was a member of the West Florence track and cross country teams. He decided he wasn’t ready for his athletic career to end when he started college and joined the university’s cross country and track and field program. Running at FMU has not only kept Jackson in shape, it has also presented him with life skills and helped him to appreciate the camaraderie that comes with being on an athletic team.

“Being a student-athlete on the track and cross country teams has really helped me with my time management and communication skills, and has taught me how to have more patience,” says Jackson. “I have a better understanding of how to talk with my teammates from different backgrounds. I know these skills will stay with me off the course and outside of the classroom as I move into a career in business.”

In addition to his academic work, his training with the cross country and track team, and his internships, Jackson is also involved on campus. He participates and volunteers at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry, is a member of the National Society for Leadership and Success, the Green Club, the Accounting Club, and he serves as a student orientation leader.  

Jackson also spent time abroad in a travel-study program in Germany and France led by his favorite FMU professor, Dr. Caroliniana Padgett, an associate professor of economics. During this travel-study program, he studied culture and sustainability. 

“Traveling abroad truly opened my mind to how sustainable other countries are and how differently Europeans live their everyday lives compared to Americans,” says Jackson. “I will forever be grateful for this experience provided by FMU as well as to Dr. Padgett as she has made a huge impact on my life and opened my eyes to things going on in the real world and not just the classroom.” 

Jackson continues to manage a work-life balance with his busy schedule. When he is not in school, at his internship, working, or running, he finds time doing the things he enjoys like staying active physically and in his church. 

“In my free time, I play pickleball and I teach a children’s class on Sunday nights as well as help with all of the children’s activities at Lake Swamp Baptist Church,” Jackson explained. “I spend a lot of time with my dog, named Levon. I enjoy playing fetch with him.”