Shelia Higgs Burkhalter

Shelia Higgs Burkhalter (Shiggs) is the Vice President for Student Affairs at Winthrop University. She has been a higher educational professional for 28 years and she is also a certified professional coach - "Shiggs B Coaching." Her husband is Tim Burkhalter and she has one child, Sydney, and one fur baby, Nico. People would describe her as a change maker and a culture shaper. Besides her professional work, she loves helping students and advocates for students to explore the world through programs like the Global Close Scholars!

Audrey Burris

Audrey is a senior social work major at Winthrop. After graduation, Audrey will be attending the University of Denver to pursue her Master's of Social Work with a concentration in Aging Services and Policy.  Audrey has been a Close Scholar for all three years of her bachelor's and has volunteered at the York County Free Clinic, the Betsy McLean PAR Garden, and Westminister Towers. She is super excited about this trip to Greece with the Close Scholars!

Miguel Caldwell

Miguel Caldwell is a Senior elementary education major and since his freshman year at Winthrop, Miguel has constantly sought out opportunities to serve. Miguel served as a Resident Assistant for two years, and he is currently the student body president, a Close Scholar, a member of Call Me MiSTER, a member of the Diversity Committee for the College of Education, and a member of the ELITE Xi Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. It is very common to see Miguel hanging out around campus in the dining hall, residence halls, and campus center with friends who have become family. 

Kevon Campbell

​Kevon is a senior Individualized Studies major at Winthrop University with a minor in Visual Design. He has been a Close Scholar since his freshman year in fall 2020. After completing his undergraduate studies at Winthrop, he plans to explore the field of horticulture and botany, with hopes of using his knowledge and experience to educate and enrich communities on the value of gardening and casual plant care. Passionate about both the arts and the beauty of the natural world, Kevon is ecstatic about the amazing opportunity to explore Greece with his fellow Close Scholars!

Sydney Gambrell

Sydney Gambrell a Senior Fine Arts student, majoring in Painting at Winthrop University. I am an only child, born and raised in Pendleton, South Carolina. While at Winthrop, I was involved in several campus organizations and opportunities such as being a Winthrop Close Scholar, Peer Mentor, and Union of Student Artists Board Member. Upon graduation, I hope to pursue a career within an artistic environment that centers itself within its community. Outside of academics, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, especially my two pups at home. Any time spent shopping, getting my nails done, or eating sushi is a good day for me!  

Nastajia Hamilton

Nastajia Hamilton was born and raised in Manning, South Carolina. She received her Associate of Arts in General Education from Central Carolina Technical College in May 2020 and went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Music from Winthrop University in December 2022. After graduation, Nastajia will begin work as a Registered Behavior Technician at Carolina Therapeutics, LPPC in Fort Mill, SC. Next fall, Nastajia plans on applying to doctoral programs to earn her Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology in order to start her own non-profit mental health practice.

Sarah Massey

Sarah Massey is a junior studying Special Education from North Augusta, SC. Sarah loves volunteering with the children in her community. She hopes to attend graduate school and earn her Masters degree in Speech Language Pathology then continue on to earning her PHD in Communication Disorders. In her free time, you can find Sarah shopping, go on adventures with her boyfriend, or spending time with her cat, Delilah! 

Benjamin Neiconi

Ben is a recent graduate of Winthrop University (December 17th) and is from Rock Hill, SC. He has his degree in Sport Management with a minor in Legal Studies. As of now, Ben currently works for Visit York County in Rock Hill, SC as their marketing coordinator and plans on stepping into the sports world sometime in the early year of 2023. Ben has family that lives in Europe (Romania) and is excited to be back over seas!"

Jordan Rucker

My name is Jordan Rucker and I am an Honors Biology Student at Winthrop University with a minor in Chemistry. I am from Anderson, SC, and I attended Pickens High School before attending Winthrop University. My goals are to become a family medicine doctor after attending medical school and work for Doctors Without Borders to travel and offer help in foreign countries. I am very thankful to be a part of the Winthrop Close Scholars Program and am looking forward to this trip and all of the activities planned! 

Taegan Smith

Taegan is a junior biology major with a minor in business administration.  She has been a Close Scholar since her freshman year.  After Winthrop, she plans to enter the field of medical device sales.  She is not new to travel as she has been to England, France, and Spain.  Greece has been on her bucket list for two years, so she is extremely excited for the trip!

Karl Vogl II

Karl Vogl was born in Detroit, Michigan and raised there and in Columbia, SC. He is a senior Mass Communication major with minors in Leadership Studies and Theatre. He serves as the 2022-2023 Student Body Vice President and is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated. During the summer of 2022, Karl embarked on a journey to Berlin, Germany to intern at Impact Hub Berlin on the Marketing and Communications Team. Karl has hopes of becoming an International Investigative Journalist after completing his master's degree.