History and political science double major with the Honors College, with a concentration in politics, philosophy and law
Winthrop Endowed History Study Abroad Scholarship, Jeannette and Jesse Bowers History Scholarship and College of Charleston General Scholarship Endowment
Enrolled in the University of South Carolina’s Joseph F. Rice School of Law, Lucas Guyton ’26 plans to deepen his understanding of public service and advocacy and practice law in South Carolina.
Lucas Guyton of Cowpens, South Carolina, says his time at the College of Charleston has challenged him to grow both academically and personally. He was selected as one of two HSS Scholars in his history major, participated in the Global Ambassadors program and studied abroad in Edinburgh and London. The history and political science double major with the Honors College is in Phi Alpha Theta History Honor Society and Pi Sigma Alpha Political Science Honor Society. He also participated in the Honor Board for three years.
The recipient of the Winthrop Endowed History Study Abroad Scholarship, Jeannette and Jesse Bowers History Scholarship and College of Charleston General Scholarship Endowment pursued rigorous research while learning from faculty who pushed him to think more critically and write with clarity. Through Model United Nations, Model African Union, Model O.A.S., the Global Ambassadors program and studying abroad, he deepened his interest in diplomacy, law, history and international affairs while engaging with global perspectives in meaningful ways. Above all, CofC gave Guyton a strong community, dedicated mentors and the confidence to take the next step toward law school.
Lucas says one of his most meaningful projects was his honors research in history, completed under the guidance of Phyllis Jestice, interim chair of the Department of History. His project examined how the Knights Templar were reimagined in 19th century literature and political thought. He explored how Victorians used the Templars, Freemasonry and conspiracy narratives to express anxieties about religion, secrecy and power. His capstone project in reproductive law allowed him to write about the rise in eugenic language, starting in extremist spaces then becoming more mainstream.
Lucas developed many close relationships with professors while attending CofC. He appreciated the smaller class sizes and faculty members devoted to his growth as a student. He says he’ll miss the nearby beaches, culinary scene and the easy-going atmosphere of Charleston.