Clarendon County native studies abroad at Oxford

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Clarendon County is roughly 4,000 miles from Oxford University in the United Kingdom, but one Clarendon County native went there to complete his graduate degree in business. Lane Ham grew up in Clarendon County and graduated from Manning High School. After graduation, he went on to Clemson University to study animal veterinary science. During this time, he worked at Clarendon Memorial Hospital in administrative services. During his senior year, Ham assessed the financial costs of veterinary school and chose to seek other employment which would use his undergraduate credentials and allow him to work with animals. Ham obtained a job with the South Carolina Veterinary Association, under the Clemson Livestock and Poultry Health Division at Clemson University, in 2014. While working as an inspector, Clemson approached Ham about continuing his education with a master’s degree. As Ham had considered this possibility, he jumped at the opportunity for Clemson to pay for his school costs through the employee tuition assistance program. Ham began working toward an MBA in 2015, taking a slower track since he was working full time. In 2016, Ham moved up from Inspector to Livestock Law Enforcement Officer where he still works. As such, he ensures the traceability of livestock and tracks livestock for diseases. He also deals with interstate transport of livestock. While his job as a law enforcement officer does allow him to arrest owners, shut down facilities, levy fines and more, Ham states this is not a common occurrence. “Our actual motto is regulation through education. The more people we can inform rather than punish, the better,” said Ham. As Ham moved into the Spring 2018 semester at Clemson, he approached his late summer graduation date. When he assessed his schedule for the summer semester, he realized he qualified for the summer session abroad. Ham assessed his leave time, ensuring he had enough time built up to travel for two and a half weeks, and he spoke to the program’s coordinator. He applied and was given one of the 18 spots for that session. Ham left June 26 and returned July 14, spending two and a half weeks at Oxford University in Oxford in the United Kingdom. While there, he studied international business management and global leadership. While there, he also visited the practice and home of legendary veterinarian James Alfred Wight, who was immortalized in his series of books loosely based on his practice and published under the name “James Herriot.” “A lot of people get into veterinary medicine because of the books written by James Herriot,” said Ham. “I actually had the chance to go to his practice and his house and tour the countryside where he practiced. I met folks he dealt with. Definitely one big plus to the Oxford trip.” After returning home, Ham went back to work in livestock law enforcement and continues to enjoy his job. He finds satisfaction in what he accomplishes, and he likes the interactions with the people he meets. “I’d have to say it’s getting out and dealing with folks out there, the producers, the farmers, the people that own the livestock and show it. I really enjoy interacting with them in the field and getting out and about,” said Ham. But Ham is not all livestock work. He also enjoys hunting, fishing and golfing, although he confesses he does not have much time for those pursuits. “I serve as First Lieutenant in the South Carolina State Guard. A lot of my off time from work is dedicated to that, as I’m a company commander,” said Ham. Ham doubts he will return to veterinary school or seek out a veterinary practice job, although he is open to other opportunities. “To be completely honest, I’m not sure where is going to lead me yet,” said Ham. However, he is open to returning to Clarendon County, should the right opportunity present itself.