Eric Cain
Program Director
Eric was born and raised in rural, southeastern North Carolina. He is a 2004 graduate of Furman, where he majored in history and political science, with a concentration in Latin American studies. He attended graduate school in the fields of education (M.A.Ed., Wake Forest University) and theology (M.Div., McAfee School of Theology, Mercer University).
Eric has taught social studies in public high school and has worked with educational enrichment programs, such as the North Carolina Governor’ School (he’s a 1999 alum of the N.C. Governor’s School). He is an ordained minister, with clergy recognition by the Alliance of Baptists. Prior to returning to Furman, Eric served as a youth minister and pastoral resident in Atlanta. In addition to engaging issues of vocational calling, he has a particular passion for environmental sustainability and being an advocate for–and following–issues at the intersection of faith and social action.
Eric joined the Center staff in January 2011, having previously been involved with the Lilly Center as a student (starting with the service-learning program to Cuba his sophomore year), serving as a counselor with the Summer Connections program for two years, and leading a LIVE! spring retreat for students.
Read more about Eric below.
Hometown
Lumberton, NC
Hobbies
Almost anything outdoors, disc golf, hiking, vegetarian cooking, traveling, reading, and the arts
Favorite Book(s)
Many of them! Ishmael and The Sirens of Titan are favorites.
Favorite Film(s)
Many of them! The Motorcycle Diaries; Everything is Illuminated; Big Fish; The Nightmare Before Christmas; Dead Poet Society; and Alfred Hitchcock films are just a few.
Favorite Music
Rock, Alternative, Icelandic Post-Rock (especially Jonsi), Bluegrass, Classical (especially Shostakovich)
What is one thing you’ve always wanted to do, but have not yet done?
Camping in the Australian Outback
Two random/fun facts about Eric
1) He was part of an audience with Pope John Paul II while visiting the Vatican on a Furman study away program in 2004.
2) As a kid, he enjoyed studying and reading about dinosaurs and space. He still thinks these are two of the coolest things!
Favorite Quote on Vocation
“You must wait and listen for the sound of the genuine that is within you. When you hear it, that will be your voice and the Voice of God.” -Howard Thurman