Birdsong School of Social Science

Exploring human behavior, society, and the world we share.

In the diverse, complex society in which we live, study of the social sciences is invaluable to students’ understanding of human behavior and relationships. The fields of criminal justice, history, political science, psychology, and sociology are highly relevant for life and career preparation—especially as students take their places in a global society.

At Batten University, study and research through the Birdsong School of Social Science complement arts, humanities, and the natural sciences in exploring and evaluating the human experience. Students sharpen their powers of observation, analysis, and communication—seeking precise answers to complicated questions and contributing to new knowledge for a challenging era.

Undergraduate Majors

Criminal Justice History International Studies Political Science Psychology Social Science Sociology

Minors

Africana Studies Criminal Justice Cybersecurity History Political Science Psychology Sociology

Meet the Dean

Dr. Craig C. Jackson

Dean, Birdsong School of Social Science · Associate Professor of Psychology

Dr. Jackson earned his Ph.D. and M.A. degrees in Social and Personality Psychology from Florida Atlantic University and a B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida. Prior to his appointment at Batten University, he held faculty positions in the psychology departments at Randolph College and Lynchburg University.

He currently serves as Associate Professor of Psychology and Director of Academic Effectiveness, and previously served as Chair of the Psychology Department. Dr. Jackson teaches courses in social psychology, theories of motivation, industrial/organizational psychology, history of psychology, and research methods. In 2023, he was a recipient of the United Methodist Church General Board of Higher Education and Ministry Exemplary Teaching Award.

His research interests include social cognition—particularly people’s use of behavioral variability information and its influence on trait attribution, and the influence of cognitive errors and biases. He is an avid supporter of undergraduate research and has conducted numerous projects with students on topics including personal, social, and racial identity, gossip, and procrastination. He frequently sponsors student presenters at the Virginia Association for Psychological Science (VAPS) conference and Batten University’s Academic Symposium.

A Florida native, Dr. Jackson enjoys outdoor activities such as boating and fishing. He lives in Norfolk with his wife and three children.

The Birdsong Legacy

The Birdsong name has been a prominent part of Batten University since its founding in 1961. Harvard Birdsong, then CEO of Birdsong Peanuts in Suffolk, was a charter member of the Batten University Board of Trustees and set the stage for his family’s involvement and financial support, which continues today. Nearly every area of campus has been positively impacted by the Birdsong family.

George and Sue Birdsong

George Y. and the late Sue Benton Birdsong, the Birdsong family, and the Birdsong Corporation are recognized as business and philanthropic leaders in the Coastal Virginia region and beyond. Mr. and Mrs. Birdsong trace their connections with the University back to the groundbreaking for Village I on July 18, 1965.

George Birdsong is the CEO and General Counsel for the Birdsong Corporation, the largest peanut sheller in the U.S., based in Suffolk, Virginia. He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Washington and Lee University, a law degree from the University of Virginia, and practiced law with Godwin & Godwin Law Firm.

Mr. Birdsong joined the Batten University Board of Trustees in 1989, served as Board Chair from 2007–2010, and now holds the title of Trustee Emeritus. In 2016, he was awarded the Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, degree. He is involved in many civic organizations, including the Obici Healthcare Foundation, Suffolk Foundation, United Way, YMCA, and Nansemond-Suffolk Academy.

Sue Birdsong, who passed away on March 25, 2020, attended Longwood College and earned her degree from Pan-American Business School in Richmond. At her death, an anonymous donor made a gift in her memory to reconstruct the university entrance—now known as the Sue Benton Birdsong Main Gate & Entrance.

The Birdsong Corporation and the Birdsong family have been generous supporters throughout the University’s history. Birdsong Hall, an original building in Bray Village, was dedicated to the Birdsong Family in 1968. The Birdsong School of Social Science was announced in 2016.