Professor and Student Co-Author Book on Death Penalty

Even as a high-schooler, Maggie Anderson '13 dreamed of a career where she could immerse herself in writing and academic research. She decided to become a Maroon after being impressed by Roanoke College's Research Fellow and Summer Scholars opportunities.

The scholarly skills Anderson honed in those programs mightily impressed Dr. Todd Peppers, the Henry H. & Trudye H. Fowler Professor in Public Affairs. He invited Anderson,  in the summer before her junior year, to help him research the late Marie Deans, who dedicated her life to the abolition of the death penalty. The pair's work continued for six years and resulted in the book "A Courageous Fool," which was released in 2017.  

Anderson always thought she'd like to write a book one day, but never pictured it happening this soon. "This is a dream come true," she says.