Donor generosity fuels criminology student’s Auburn experience

A forensic science class in high school may have inspired Haley Morris to pursue a career in criminology, but it was Auburn’s Sociology program that has given her the classroom education she needs to succeed in the field.

“I have always been interested in all things true crime — I grew up watching shows like ‘Dateline,’ ‘The First 48’ and ‘Forensic Files,’” she said. “But studying sociology has allowed me to learn about broader topics beyond just criminal behavior and psychological patterns. Sociology provides important insights into subjects such as social institutions and social interactions.”

As a sociology major with a concentration in criminology, she was awarded a scholarship in the College of Liberal Arts specifically for students interested in law enforcement. A native of McCalla, Alabama, Morris is grateful for her donor’s generosity — not only for the tuition assistance, but also the encouragement.

“Obviously, scholarship support makes the financial part of the college experience less daunting,” she said. “However, it’s also a concrete sign of accomplishment and support. I view it as a reminder that my hard work and accomplishments are seen and appreciated by others.”

Morris chose to attend Auburn for its strong academic reputation and welcoming college town atmosphere. Majoring in sociology means she has been able to take electives centered around her own academic interests — as well as apply credits she had earned before entering Auburn as a transfer student. She cites trial attorney Todd Crutchfield’s “Sociology of Law” course as one of her favorite classes.

“He was so helpful in encouraging the class to learn more about law, and he brought in great guest speakers who worked in legal fields,” she said. “His class pushed me to look deeper into the world of law and was one of the reasons I chose to intern at a law firm this past summer and winter.”

Thanks to the support of the Auburn Family, Morris will graduate this May, with plans to move to Birmingham, Alabama, to pursue a career in crime analysis, investigation or intelligence.

“I would love to work in the legal and criminal justice fields because that is truly what interests me,” she said. “And I look forward to continuing to learn new things through experience and ongoing educational opportunities.”