Theme: Uncharted Territory

Uncharted Territory can take on many definitions. Perhaps a city or country you hope to visit. Maybe a topic or trade you are unfamiliar with. Regardless, the lofty idea of Uncharted Territory is all-encompassing and often quite intimidating. On February 11th, we will begin working toward exploring the Uncharted Territory of perspectives, ideas, and attitudes that we are not prompted to address on a daily basis. This is an opportunity to join in a global conversation. It's an opportunity to learn beyond your comfort zone, be inspired, and share ideas of your own. Join us, and 12 incredible speakers that are actively shaping their communities and shattering the status quo. We look forward to the active learning and curiosity that TEDxFurmanU will bring.

Furman University: Harper Hall
3300 Poinsett Highway
Greenville, South Carolina, 29613
United States

Ben Clagett

Walk Across America

Ben Clagett is a Colorado Native and outdoor enthusiast. He has spent his 20's traveling the U.S. by car, bicycle, and most recently, on foot during a walk across America. He is an aspiring writer and simplistic traveler, always looking for the next adventure.

Chris Blackwell

Louis G. Forgione University Professor of Classics, Shi Center for Sustainability

Christopher Blackwell is the Louis G. Forgione University Professor of Classics at Furman University. He has published books and articles on Greek history, ancient manuscripts, and data science. He co-authored articles on historical botany with his wife, Amy Hackney Blackwell, as well as the book "Mythology for Dummies", which has been translated into Spanish, German, Dutch, French, and Russian.

Cindy Monteith

Former State Chaplain, St. John Ambulance

Cindy Monteith is the former State Chaplin of St. John's Ambulance of Western Australia. Cindy has helped many struggling with mental illness, while also witnessing the stigma that those suffering with mental illness face.

Clare Ruble

Furman University Class of 2017

Clare Ruble is a senior Theatre Major on the Pre-Health path towards speech therapy. She enjoys Chipotle, rollerblading, and singing really loudly. The kind of singing that is only appropriate on a Broadway stage, but she does it in small spaces. Her talk focuses on being pigeonholed. Being put into tiny categories that are hard to escape. She will discuss how this used in comedy today.

John Quinn

Assistant Professor, Furman University Department of Biology

John is trained as biologist. However, his passions fall at the intersection of biology with culture, policy, and economics. Thus his teaching and research build on the rigor of science but reflect the complex nature of current and future challenges.

Julie Wayne

Associate Professor, Wake Forest University School of Business

Julie Holliday Wayne earned her undergraduate degree in psychology at Furman University in 1993 and her Masters and PhD in Industrial/Organizational Psychology at the University of Georgia. Since 1998, she has been a faculty member at Wake Forest University and is currently an Associate Professor in the School of Business. In her research, she studies sexual harassment, work-life balance, and workgroup diversity and has published in journals such as the Journal of Applied Psychology, Personnel Psychology, Journal of Organizational Behavior, and Organizational Research Methods.

Ken Nwadike Jr.

founder of the Free Hugs Project

Ken E. Nwadike Jr is a peace activist, motivational speaker, and video journalist known as the Free Hugs Guy online. Nwadike Jr is the founder of the Free Hugs Project, which produces motivational videos to spread love, inspire change, and raise awareness of social issues. The Free Hugs Project recently gained popularity, as Nwadike made major news headlines for his peace-keeping efforts and de-escalating violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Nwadike was featured in Google's 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year's most defining moments.

Kristen Murdaugh

Furman University Class of 2017

Native of South Carolina, Kristen Murdaugh is a member of the class of 2017 at Furman University where she studies Vocal Performance and German Studies. In her time at Furman she has studied Vocal Pedagogy both independently and in the classroom. She plans to continue her studies in graduate school next fall to complete a Masters in Vocal Pedagogy and Vocal Science. She is a Furman Advantage Teaching Fellow of Music Theory as well as a member of vocal ensembles such as the Furman University Chamber Choir and the Twelve Peers. She has performed in numerous opera productions while at Furman, including but not limited to her role as Madame Flora in the Furman Lyric Theatre’s production of Menotti’s The Medium. Kristen's career ambitions, day-to-day studies, and hobbies revolve around a healthy voice. Through her talk, she hopes to communicate how important and easy it can be to develop habits that will preserve your voice for years to come.

Lynne Waheeba

Furman University Class of 2018

Lynne Waheeba is a Lebanese American who was raised in Damascus, Syria. She is a Junior philosophy major on the premed track and wishes to pursue a career in medicine. She dedicates this talk to her father who passed away her freshman year of college and hopes that you will have a better perspective as to what is happening in Syria.

Matt Stewart

Success Coach, Center for Arts and Technology

Matt Stewart is a no BS activator of potential. His No Excuses, Now What approach has been fostered & developed over the past 20+ years from coaching, collaborating and advising Senior Leaders across North America. His foundational philosophy is boldly simple: move past the excuse, laser focus on the next steps, and you can accomplish a ton. The most important thing a leader, boss, manager or ANYONE can do is ask oneself “How Am I Framing This?”. How You Frame anything in life will impact the specific macro & micro-actions you take and will impact the tribes you choose to let into your life.

Tim Evans

Associate Professor, University of Missouri Department of Veterinary Pathology

Dr. Tim Evans is an associate professor within the College of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Missouri. He is passionate about his faith, family, teaching, all things MIZZOU, and Hawaiian shirts. He has a reputation for being intimidatingly enthusiastic, and his alter ego THE ANTIDOTE is the enemy of all things toxic.

Zach Hughes

Furman University, Class of 2020

Zach will be using poems to discuss the effects of pornography on individual lives, including his own. A special note: when he’s on the red dot, it’s a poem.