The Division of Social Science is committed to helping students become creative and independent thinkers by guiding them in the comprehension and analysis of important political, economic, legal, and social issues of the historical and contemporary world.
The Division of Social Science is committed to producing graduates who can compete successfully in graduate and professional schools and in a wide range of available occupations including: teaching, research, law enforcement, law, social work, policy planning, civil service, medicine, and international relations. The Division’s primary goal is to ensure that its graduates are both liberally educated as well as pragmatically trained, and empowered citizens capable of living, working and competing in a global, multi-cultural, and technological world. To accomplish this goal, the Division of Social Science’s major objective is to produce culturally literate students who demonstrate competencies in their major fields, in written and oral communications, in quantitative and computer skills, and who are analytical thinkers.
Area of Emphasis
Upon completion of a degree in the Social Sciences, students will be able to:
Office Hours
MWF: 1:00pm–2:00 pm.; 1:00–3:00 pm
T/R: 8:00am–1:00 pm
Other Times By Appointment
Biography
• Dr. Bamwine’s teaching experience spans many years at several HBCUs. He has a strong Christian commitment and integrates faith in teaching and learning. His experiences include face-to-face, hybrid,
and online course development and instruction, academic advising, leading study abroad programs, and supervising practicums or internships for career preparedness. Other experiences include International Consultancy with the United Nations Food and Agricultural Organization in Rome Italy and Kampala, Uganda, and a study abroad program director with the School for International Training, in Brattleboro, Vermont.
Degrees Earned
• B.Sc. Houghton University, Houghton, NY
• MA/PhD: The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH
• M.Sc. Tiffin University, Tiffin, OH
• Graduate Certificate in Homeland Security, American Military University, Charles Town, WV.
Teaching Courses
• Introduction to sociology
• Introduction to Criminal Justice
• Methods of Social Investigation (Research Methods)
• Introduction to Statistics
• The Black Family
• Probation and Parole
Research and Professional Interests
• Teaching research methods and leading student presentations at professional conferences.
Accomplishments
• Developing and leading what will be a memorable study abroad trip to Africa. He completed a summer training program for study abroad lead faculty, in Paris France.
Student Engagement and Service
• Dr. Bamwine takes pleasure in helping students find their calling and guides them towards coursework that provides the technical and social skills needed for success.
• He completed a workshop for study abroad lead faculty, in Paris France.
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Biography
• Dr. Kenneth L. Done is an accomplished higher education educator, criminal justice scholar, and dedicated advocate for student achievement with more than 20 years of professional experience in higher education, particularly within Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Throughout his career, Dr. Done has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to educating, mentoring, and preparing students for successful careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, public service, and related professional fields.
As an Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Dr. Done brings extensive academic and professional experience to the classroom. His teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that education should empower students, develop critical-thinking skills, encourage intellectual curiosity, and prepare graduates to become ethical and effective professionals. His long-standing commitment to HBCU education reflects his dedication to institutions that have historically played a vital role in expanding educational opportunities, developing leaders, and strengthening communities.
Degrees Earned
• Ph.D. Mississippi State University
• M.S. Mississippi Valley State University
• B.S. Mississippi Valley State University
Teaching Courses
• CRJ-231: Intro to Criminal Justice
• CRJ-232: Intro to Law Enforcement/Corre
• CRJ-233: Juvenile Offender and Justice
• CRJ-234: Funds of Crim/Investigation
• CRJ-333: Probation and Parole
• CRJ-335: Homeland Security
• CRJ-431: Current Issues in Sociology/Criminal Justice
• CRJ-460: Internship
• SOS-231: Intro to Social Sciences
• SOS-335: Social Science Research Methods
Research and Professional Interests
Research Interests (Policing Focus)
• Police-Community Relations
• Procedural Justice in Policing
• Use of Force and Accountability
• Technology in Policing
Professional Interests
• Teaching and Mentorship
• Community Partnerships
• Experiential Learning
• Curriculum Development
Accomplishments
• Course Design & Innovation
• High Impact Practices
• Online & Hybrid Learning
• Academic Presentations
Student Engagement and Service
• Career Preparation & Internships
• Student Organizations
• Academic Advising
Office Hours
MWF: 10:00am–1:00 pm.; 1:00–3:00 pm
T/TH: 1:30pm–5:30 pm
Other Times By Appointment
Biography
• Bianca Weatherspoon, MSW, LSSW is a Social Work Instructor at Rust College with more than a decade of experience serving individuals, families, and communities through higher education, child welfare, school social work, and community-based practice. She is a Licensed Social Worker specializing in housing stability, behavioral health, child welfare, autism advocacy, and social justice.
Ms. Weatherspoon is currently pursuing a Doctor of Social Work (DSW) at the University of Memphis, where her research focuses on housing instability, eviction diversion initiatives, food insecurity, and health disparities among vulnerable populations. She is passionate about preparing future social workers through engaging classroom instruction, experiential learning, and community partnerships while emphasizing ethical practice, cultural humility, advocacy, and evidence-based interventions.
Degrees Earned
• Doctor of Social Work (DSW), University of Memphis (Expected December 2026)
• Master of Social Work (MSW), University of Memphis
• Bachelor of Social Work (BSW), LeMoyne-Owen College
• Associate of Science in Psychology, Southwest Tennessee Community College
Teaching Courses
• Current and previous courses include:
• Introduction to Social Work
• Child Welfare Services
• Social Welfare Policy
• Human Behavior and the Social Environment
• Social Work Practice
• Social Work Ethics
• Field Education and Professional Development
Research and Professional Interests
• Housing instability and eviction prevention
• Food insecurity and health disparities
• Child welfare and family preservation
• Autism advocacy and disability services
• Social determinants of health
• Community engagement and social policy
• Social work education and student success
• Trauma-informed and culturally responsive practice
Accomplishments
• Social Work Instructor, Rust College
• Licensed School Social Worker (LSSW)
• Doctoral Candidate, University of Memphis
• Presenter at professional conferences on housing stability and eviction diversion
• Researcher examining food insecurity and health outcomes among vulnerable populations
• Organizer of the Rust College Child Welfare Services Seminar
• Advisor for the Student Social Work Association (SSWA)
• Experienced practitioner in child welfare, school social work, case management, and community services
• Recipient of academic and professional leadership opportunities through graduate education and community partnerships
Student Engagement and Service
• Ms. Weatherspoon is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for student learning beyond the classroom. She serves as the faculty advisor for the Student Social Work Association (SSWA), mentors' students in academic and professional development, and encourages participation in service-learning, advocacy initiatives, community outreach, and professional conferences. She collaborates with local agencies to provide experiential learning opportunities that strengthen students' leadership, ethical decision-making, and commitment to serving diverse populations. Through advising, mentorship, and community engagement, she strives to prepare graduates to become compassionate, competent, and socially responsible for social work professionals.
The Rust College Families First Resource Center was established in 1999 under the leadership of Dr. Gemma Beckly, former Social Work Program Chair. The Center is an extension of the Division of Social Science and Social Work Program.
Rust College Families First Resource Center’s mission is two-fold:
• Provide experiential, hands-on learning opportunities for social work students
• Empower youth and families in Marshall County and surrounding areas
Anger Management classes [youth ages 12 -17]
Teen Issues (life skills) classes [youth ages 12-17]
Teen Parenting classes [youth age 17 and younger]
Parenting classes [adults age 18 and older]
Information & Referral Services
Step 1: Contact LaTanya Foreman to schedule an intake appointment Monday –Friday from 8am to 5pm at (662)551-2229
Step 2: Pay a one-time $25 enrollment fee (for Anger Management and/or Teen Issues class only). There is no fee to enroll in parenting classes
Step 3: Start classes
150 Rust Ave
Holly Springs, MS 38635
(662) 252-8000
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