Skip to header Skip to Content Skip to Footer

Skyler McLaughlin ’21, ’23M

Skyler McLaughlin, a native of Jacksonville, NC, credits sociology and criminology professor Ann Rotchford for inspiring him to continue his education beyond undergraduate studies.
Skyler McLaughlin, a native of Jacksonville, NC, credits sociology and criminology professor Ann Rotchford for inspiring him to continue his education beyond undergraduate studies.
Witnessing the Seahawk community come together to help one of their own was one of the reasons Skyler McLaughlin ’21, ’23M decided to pursue his education at UNCW. His mother, Renee McLaughlin '19M, was helping a faculty member of the extended campus at Camp Lejeune who had lost a family member and could not look after their home. 

"My family, alongside numerous students within the university, came together and assisted in making repairs and cleaning the house," he recalled. "Seeing the unity of what a few people can do and how much they could change a person's life inspired me to continue in my family's footsteps."

McLaughlin comes from a family with deep roots at UNCW. Besides his mother, his brothers Kevin Schreck '18M, and Blake McLaughlin attended the university. "I am building upon a family legacy," he said. 

McLaughlin, a native of Jacksonville, NC, credits sociology and criminology professor Ann Rotchford for inspiring him to continue his education beyond undergraduate studies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in criminology in 2021. He will receive his master’s degree in sociology during the spring commencement.  

"During my undergrad, Dr. Rotchford held numerous conversations with me about conducting research and how my work could benefit the community," he recalled. "The knowledge of helping my community and providing back ultimately pushed me to see what difference I could make."

As part of his graduate research, McLaughlin examined socio-economic and socio-interpersonal stressors associated with prolonged discriminatory practices. He plans to start working in policy and use the knowledge he learned to help as many people as possible.

"A major turning point in my life was when my mother was diagnosed with cancer for the second time," he recalled. "It encouraged me to start researching within the medical field and conduct work that could help people in vulnerable positions."

McLaughlin said if he could describe his UNCW experience in three words, it would be opportunity, adventure and memorable. 

"With all the new doors opened and memories made along the way, it's an experience that helps individuals find themselves and make an impact," he said. "My favorite Seahawk memory so far is most definitely the time I spent getting to know the people. From the diverse experiences and lives everyone has lived to the memories made with them, the community makes me proud to be called a Seahawk."

top