What does the future look like for Presbyterian College? 🎙️

PC President Dr. Anita Gustafson joins Andrew Corley on Episode 8 of the Laurens County Lowdown for a wide-ranging conversation on college affordability, the value of a liberal arts education, AI in the classroom, Blue Hose athletics and the challenges facing higher education.

Plus, Dr. Gustafson talks about her journey back to PC, becoming the college’s first female president and why she believes Laurens County students shouldn’t overlook what’s right in their backyard.

Episode 8 is out now!

She also gets real about becoming a mom while continuing her professional career, the chaos of life as an athlete and what keeps her chasing another shot with Team USA.

And because it’s the Lowdown, there’s plenty of fun too: life overseas, Laurens memories, the lightning round and the Taylor Swift question Andrew waited seven episodes to ask...

🎙️ Episode 7 is out now on Facebook, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

From Laurens standout to professional baseball player — and now coach and broadcaster. ⚾️

On Episode 6 of the Laurens County Lowdown, Andrew Corley sits down with Thomas Jones to look back on the journey that took him from Laurens High School to being selected in the 2016 MLB Draft and several years of professional baseball.

Thomas opens up about the grind of the minor leagues, dealing with struggles after years of success, knowing when it was time to step away and finding a new direction after baseball.

Now back in Laurens coaching and broadcasting, Thomas also shares his perspective on youth sports today, the pressure on young athletes, the cost of travel ball and why he believes kids shouldn’t be so quick to specialize in one sport.

Plus, Andrew and Thomas talk Laurens-Clinton, Banana Ball, the best pitcher Thomas ever faced and plenty more in the Lowdown Lightning Round.

Watch Episode 6 of the Laurens County Lowdown now!

What’s next for Laurens District 55? 🎙️

Interim Superintendent Dr. Rhett Harris joins Laurens County Lowdown to talk about the bus driver concerns that made headlines on the first day of school, the district’s financial challenges, aging school facilities and where plans stand for a joint CATE Center with District 56.

Plus, Harris talks about rebuilding trust in the district, why he doesn’t plan to simply be a “placeholder” as interim superintendent and faces the Lowdown Lightning Round.

🎧 Episode 5 of Laurens County Lowdown is out now.
Watch on Facebook and YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Mayor Nathan Senn joins us to talk about some of the biggest topics being discussed around Laurens, including tensions at City Hall, the former Smith Chevrolet property, rolling coal, city parks, growth and the push for a grocery store on the west side of town.

Mayor Senn also talks about his proudest accomplishment in office and is asked if another run for mayor could be in his future. 👀

Watch the full episode now on Facebook and YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts

Episode 3 of Laurens County Lowdown is live! 🎙️

Laurens County School District 56 Superintendent Dr. David O'Shields joins us for a conversation that goes far beyond the classroom.

We discuss teacher pay, school funding, retaining educators, the future of Districts 55 and 56, building a new high school, the Laurens vs. Clinton rivalry and much more.

And yes...stick around until the end for Dr. O'Shields' viral back-to-school rap. 🎤😂

Whether you're a parent, teacher, student or just care about the future of Laurens County, there's something in this episode for you.

🎧 Watch now on YouTube or listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Episode 2 of Laurens County Lowdown features Laurens County Chamber of Commerce President Dabs Davis.

From supporting local businesses and attracting new industry to the future of growth in Laurens County, Dabs shares her perspective on the opportunities, challenges and what comes next for the community.

Welcome to the first episode of Laurens County Lowdown.

After 26 years with the Laurens Police Department, Chief Heath Copeland reflects on his career, his upcoming retirement and the moments that shaped his time in law enforcement. Plus, he takes on our lightning round.

Watch now on Facebook and YouTube, or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts.

Presented by Self Regional Healthcare.