Building a Future in Criminal Justice: Naiya Cherry’s FMU Experience

For Naiya Cherry, a sociology major on the criminal justice track with a minor in psychology, college has been more than a pursuit of a degree – it has been a deliberate journey shaped by academic curiosity, initiative, and a commitment to growth beyond her comfort zone. Her time at Francis Marion University reflects a balance between academic exploration and hands-on experience, all grounded in a willingness to step beyond familiar boundaries.

Cherry, a native of Rock Hill, South Carolina, was drawn to Francis Marion for its affordability and close-knit campus environment. That decision quickly proved to be the right fit.

“I liked the smaller campus and class sizes,” she says. “It allowed for more intimate relationships with my professors.”

Those close connections quickly became one of the defining aspects of her college experience, providing not only academic guidance but also mentorship that helped her refine her goals and build confidence in her path.

Cherry’s interest in criminal justice has extended well beyond the classroom. Since January, she has been an intern with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED) at its Pee Dee Regional Office, located on FMU’s campus. During her time there, she has gained firsthand experience in investigative work, developing practical skills and insight into the complexities of law enforcement. In the future, she hopes to work for the SLED Fusion Center as an intelligence analyst, analyzing data to help identify and track potential threats across the state.

Her experience at FMU has also taken her far beyond South Carolina. Through a study abroad program in Landau, Germany, Cherry immersed herself in a new culture while studying psychology. While studying abroad, she visited seven countries and adapted to navigating daily life without a car, gaining independence and resilience along the way. From managing a budget and preparing meals to communicating across language barriers, she developed practical life skills that extended far beyond the classroom. She also completed German language coursework, earning an A2 certification.

“It was like survival,” she says. “I learned so much about independence and dealing with other people.”

On campus, Cherry has remained actively involved in student life. She served on the leadership team for production at BCM, participated in the National Society of Leadership and Success, and is a member of Alpha Kappa Delta, the international sociology honor society. These experiences have helped her grow as both a leader and a collaborator, reinforcing the importance of communication, teamwork, and service.

Scholarships have played a crucial role in making these opportunities possible. A recipient of the LIFE Scholarship and an academic scholarship from FMU, Cherry has been able to focus fully on her education without the burden of financial strain.

“Without my scholarships, I probably would not have attended college,” she says. “Knowing I won’t have to pay anything back has relieved a huge amount of stress.”

That financial support also made it possible for her to study abroad, an experience that ultimately shaped her long-term ambitions.

Her dedication has not gone unnoticed. Cherry was honored with the Linda M. Summer Social Work Award, recognizing her commitment to excellence and her drive to make a meaningful impact.

Dr. Jessica Doucet, chair of the Department of Sociology, speaks highly of Cherry’s growth and determination.

“Naiya is a wonderful young lady who has taken advantage of the opportunities available to her while here at FMU,” says Doucet. “She’s challenged herself by stepping outside of her comfort zone, which has afforded her valuable experiences that have prepared her for life after graduation.”

Looking ahead, Cherry plans to continue her education at the University of South Carolina, where she intends to pursue a graduate degree in criminology.

For future Patriots, her advice is simple but meaningful: get involved, build relationships, and embrace new opportunities.

“Stay in touch with your professors and take advantage of the many opportunities FMU has to offer,” she says. “Put yourself out there.”