Baker Maultsby
Contributing Writer

Carson Moore, a pediatric care professional in Boiling Springs, has numerous diplomas framed on the wall of his office. He says his favorite is the first one he got from Spartanburg Methodist College.

“SMC holds a special place in my heart,” said Moore, who came to SMC in 2010 from Summerville, South Carolina.

“When I was graduating from high school, I was looking for high-quality but affordable options for school,” he recalled. “I had a few friends who had gone to SMC and absolutely loved it. (With) the tuition scholarship for my GPA, it was a no-brainer.”

While the decision may have been easy, Moore’s academic start at SMC was not.

“I failed my first ever test in Dr. (Cole) Cheek’s history class,” Moore noted. “He was such an amazing lecturer – I remember sitting in class mesmerized by the way he told the story of history, and I forgot to take notes!”

With help from his professor, it didn’t take long for Moore to get on track, and he ended up getting an ‘A’ in Dr. Cheek’s class. His journey at SMC went more smoothly after finding his stride in study habits.

“Really, every class at SMC was awesome,” he said. “Every professor at SMC seemed like they loved their job.”

Moore didn’t plan to go into medicine when he was a student at SMC. He earned an Associate Degree in General Studies and then a bachelor’s degree at USC-Upstate and took a job in sales after graduation.  He enjoyed the work but wasn’t sure it would be a fulfilling long-range career.

Healthcare had intrigued Moore since he was a child. After discussing career possibilities with his wife, Amy, he returned to school to become a physician assistant (PA). Today, he co-owns a pediatric urgent care facility and is a PA.

“I love being a PA,” he said. “It is so much fun meeting the needs of our community and providing high-quality care to so many amazing kids.”

Running a business has presented Moore with plenty of challenges and learning opportunities. He credits his time at SMC with providing essential leadership skills and perspective.

Specifically, working as a resident assistant was a formative experience. Since SMC offered only a two-year degree at the time, Moore was offered opportunities as a first- and second-year student that would only be available to upper-level students at many schools.

“My experiences at SMC learning how to be a leader were integral in preparing me to manage the urgent care practice,” he said.

In addition to his work with urgent care patients and caregivers, Moore teaches in the College of Allied Health at the University of North Greenville. As he helps students prepare for careers in health care, he thinks back to the talent and dedication of professors like Dr. Cheek at SMC.

“I strive to be the professor to my students that I had at SMC – caring and committed to their success,” he said.

Moore is excited that SMC now offers a four-year degree track. He’s proud to stay engaged and provide support for the college.

“It is really fun to see all of the great things going on at SMC,” Moore said.