When you first meet Logan Hilton ’24, you’ll likely see him wearing camo, boots, and a trucker hat – ready to take on the great outdoors. But anyone that truly knows Hilton would agree that his most impressive accessory is his caring and compassionate heart. Hilton is prepared to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Methodist University during commencement this weekend, a springboard to Hilton’s ultimate passion as a teacher.
When you first meet Logan Hilton ’24, you’ll likely see him wearing camo, boots, and a trucker hat – ready to take on the great outdoors.
But anyone that truly knows Hilton would agree that his most impressive accessory is his caring and compassionate heart.
Hilton is prepared to graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Methodist University during commencement this weekend, a springboard to Hilton’s ultimate passion as a teacher.
A Special Connection
As a native of Rock Hill, S.C., Hilton spent most of his time outside by fishing, playing football, and going to church anytime that he could. Little did he know that the trajectory of his life would change in 8th grade.
“I was part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and we were asked to volunteer with the Special Olympics. That’s when I met Nick,” Hilton said.
Hilton was paired up with Nick, a special needs student, to help him throughout the course of the day. From that day on, a special bond was forged.
“From that first interaction, I was like, ‘Man, I like this.’ As our friendship and relationship grew more and more, it was clear to me that I had a special comfort and understanding around this community,” he said.
Teachers took notice of Hilton’s unique ability, asking him to step out of class from time to time to assist whenever Nick was having a tough day. The friendship continued throughout high school as Hilton helped Nick with his senior project on ducks.
“I ended up breaking a brown crayon and thinking nothing of it. But Nick will still call me to this day and ask, ‘Hey, you remember when you broke that brown crayon?’ He thinks it’s the funniest thing ever,” Hilton said.
All of those special moments helped Hilton realize what he wanted to do in life.
“It sparked my desire to become a special education teacher,” Hilton said. “It was clear to me that God gave me a gift to interact with that community and I knew that’s where I needed to be.”
Becoming a Monarch
Hilton was recruited to Methodist University to play football. He immediately became captivated by the idea of becoming a Monarch after stepping foot on campus.
“The first time I was on campus and experienced game day, I fell in love with it,” he said. “On top of that, Methodist University has a specialized Special Education program, which is something that not a lot of schools have. For God to open both doors for me, football and education, I knew this is where I wanted to be.”
Hilton fit right in at Methodist University. He played for MU’s football team for three seasons along the offensive line. He also spent time as a head resident assistant for the McLean Apartment Complex, a position he thoroughly enjoyed on campus. He even led the men’s bible study on campus and participated in Ignite, a weekly worship gathering on campus.
But much of his growth came through Methodist University’s Special Education program.
“I have story after story of all my professors who have gone above and beyond for me and my other classmates in the program,” he added. “For example, when we told one of our professors that we didn’t know how to write an [individual education plan], she completely restricted the class to help us with that.”
Hilton said he also learned how to work with different people, work under stressful environments and tight deadlines, and the ins-and-outs of the profession. He even had an opportunity to work with students at E.E. Smith High School during his field placement this last year.
He points to several MU faculty and staff for having an impact on his time on campus, including Nan Fiebig (Director, Housing & Residence Life), Adrian Dorsey (Residential Area Coordinator), and Dr. Patricia Fecher (Associate Provost, Academic Operations; Interim Chair & Associate Professor of Education; SACSCOC Liaison).
“Logan is a person who helps those who normally feel forgotten or sidelined,” said Fiebig. “Logan thinks critically and with common sense, and he is especially good at helping others think through complex problems without judgement. He is a gifted leader, who carries himself with humility and care.”
Looking Forward
As Hilton walks across the commencement stage on Saturday, he looks forward to being hooded by Fiebig. It will be a special moment for Hilton as he reflects on his inspirations.
“Nick is 100% my inspiration for getting into special education,” he said. “But overall, God has blessed my life with so many opportunities where I’ve been placed.”
It won’t take long for Hilton to make an impact following graduation. He already has a full-time special education teaching role lined up at a school back home in Rock Hill. While he looks forward to staying in the classroom as long as possible, he did mention an interest in working at a district or state level in the future.
“The doors that have been opened for me to move three hours to Methodist University to play football, lead a men’s bible study, and worship with other students is incredible. I am grateful for the community I’ve built here.”
Methodist University’s Special Education program provides future special education educators the knowledge and pedagogical skills that will allow them to provide intensive and explicit individual and small group instruction to students with disabilities. To learn more or to apply to the program, visit the program webpage.