Immersion in campus community fuels curiosity and inspires personal growth

By Carrie Harmon and Tarrell Mitchell May 7, 2025

While at Oxford College, Caitlin Conroy immersed herself in academic challenges and the campus community.

Leaving behind the familiarity of her hometown outside of Boston, Caitlin Conroy arrived at Oxford College ready for a new chapter filled with academic challenges, personal growth and unexpected friendships.

As a double major in economics and political science, she credits a deep engagement with her studies and a strong sense of community for making her two years at Oxford a transformative experience. While at Oxford, Conroy worked on the Student Activities Committee and the Class Gift Committee, creating a memorable and meaningful experience for students.

“Oxford brings people together in such a special way,” she says. “It’s easy to find and stay connected with people who are different from me, people I might not have met on a bigger campus.”

Tammy Camfield 89Ox 91C, senior associate director of alumni engagement at Oxford, commends Conroy on the qualities she brought to the Oxford campus.

“Caitlin is a natural leader — reliable, driven and always bringing positive energy to any room she enters,” says Camfield. “Her infectious smile and strong work ethic have made her a standout on campus, and she approaches every commitment with both excellence and heart. She represents the best of Oxford and Emory.”

“Caitlin is a curious student. She does not just seek to understand economic concepts, she explores their application and draws connections to her own interests,” adds Teresa Foy Romano, associate professor of economics at Oxford. “In addition to her strong work ethic and academic performance, what stood out was her ability to support and engage her peers. During in-class discussions and group projects, she took the initiative to help others grasp challenging concepts, patiently explaining material and fostering an inclusive and productive learning environment.”

As she anticipates her transition to the Atlanta campus and ways to further satisfy her curiosity, Conroy reflects on how Oxford has prepared her for the next steps in her academic and personal journeys.  

What inspired your interest in economics and political science?

I’ve always had a real passion for these topics and the need to be aware of what’s happening in the world in general. When I arrived at Oxford and took Econ 101 with Dr. Romano, where I not only gained more knowledge about economics but also learned about her career trajectory and interests, it made me want to follow in her footsteps. As someone who doesn't know exactly what I want to do long term, learning about a lot of different paths has been important for me.

How has working as a supplemental instructor helped you create a sense of community on campus?

As a supplemental instructor, I prioritize creating a setting where students can work together to fuel their mastery of course material. I believe this type of group collaboration is crucial for understanding complex topics. Even though we have small classes at Oxford, there's so much content and often not enough time for group work. Providing a place where everyone can thrive with all types of learning strategies has been extremely rewarding.

What have you enjoyed about working on the Student Activities Committee and the Class Gift Committee?

These committees enable us to pull together people from all corners of campus to create something meaningful and memorable for students. For the Student Activities Committee, it’s about planning events for every student at Oxford to enjoy, which is not easy. For the class gift committee, it’s about finding something that we can give to Oxford that represents the entire class. I appreciate that we’ve incorporated diverse perspectives to create a more resonant event or gift.

How do you manage your coursework along with your many other commitments?

My superpower is time management, which helps me stay on top of assignments and allocate enough time to get my work done while giving me the bandwidth to do things outside of class. I like going out in Atlanta, walking on the trail in Covington and trying new coffee shops with my friends. The ability to prioritize makes me more productive and helps me avoid burnout.

As you prepare to start your next chapter of your college journey on the Atlanta campus, what are you most excited about?

I will be a peer health educator there, working to promote healthy habits and how to stay mindful as a busy college student. I also would like to join the Women in Economics Club and the Emory Running Club, as I was a competitive runner in high school. I look forward to pursuing more research opportunities in economics.

What legacy or impact do you hope to leave behind at Oxford?

I'm proud that I’ve contributed to building additional avenues for relaxation and fun. Oxford has great academics, but I hope that future students will continue to expand on programs and activities to support a balanced student life.

What have you enjoyed most about your time at Oxford?

I’m incredibly grateful to Oxford and the whole community. My favorite part has been that feeling of community everywhere you go on campus. It’s super special and cannot be replicated anywhere else.

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