Abby’s road to Kosovo was significantly cleared by two people—Kathleen “Kat” Robinson, Ph.D., assistant dean of faculty at Eckerd, and Paige Dickinson, Ph.D., associate professor of human development at the College and Abby’s mentor. “I had a lot of meetings with Dr. Robinson and we did a mock interview,” Abby explains. “It was extremely helpful for me to feel more prepared. And Dr. Dickinson was able to point me in the right direction and suggest classes to take to prepare me.”
Robinson says Abby has been motivated to be part of the Peace Corps since she joined the Prep program. “She has applied for various programs,” Robinson notes. “She was initially interested in another placement, but when Kosovo came up, she went for it. She worked on her application materials, and we had many meetings about her prep. She was superexcited to be interviewed.
“This year has been amazing for our EPC group,” Robinson adds. “Abigail is the fourth student accepted for this cycle. We are truly expanding the global reach of the Peace Corps and of Eckerd College.”
More than 175 Eckerd College alumni have served, or will soon serve, in the Peace Corps since 1961. Eckerd ranked 10th in the small college category among the Peace Corps’ 2025 Top Volunteer Producing Colleges and Universities.