About Dr. Cyn and the Graduates Rise

Dr. Cynthia George is a PhD level social worker and an Associate Professor at Tennessee State University in Nashville, TN where they are an AI Fellow and teach courses on research and public policy. They are an award-winning artist, educator, and evaluator with twenty years experience working with groups from across the USA to engage in prevention science in areas including substance abuse, healthy relationships, teen driver safety, inclusion of people with disabilities, and crime prevention. They earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Sociology from Tennessee Technological University, a Master’s of Science in Social Work from the University of Tennessee, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Social Work from Virginia Commonwealth University. Dr. Cyn was born on Nashville’s historic Rock Block in the old Baptist Hospital. They are a first-generation college student from a low income family and a person who manages disabilities.

Performing as Dr. CynCorrigible, they write music and sing for the punk band Dr. Cyn and the Graduates Rise. Dr. Cyn uses music as a tool for education and as a rage outlet for self-care. They formed the band in 2015 as they were completing the final year of their doctoral studies while living out of their car. Dr. Cyn writes lyrics, composes melodies, manages the band, and produces the tracks. They also create artwork, music videos, and media campaigns. Their debut album Math is Hard! received academic peer review in 2017 from the Working Class Studies Association. Dr. Cyn was honored with an International Safety Media Award at the 2022 World Safety Conference for their COVID safety campaign integrating social work theory and punk music. Dr. Cyn is working on new music with Ben Lowry from Nashville’s Bang OK Bang.

Dr. Cyn manages complex disabilities and does not tour like a traditional band, however they are receiving interview requests and booking inquiries for speaking engagements and band performances, either virtual or in person.

Recognition and Awards