English

The English major fosters superior knowledge and skills in oral and written communications, and a comprehensive understanding of a range of western and world literatures.

Using rhetorical and creative strategies, and collaborative techniques, students learn to express and reflect upon their ever-evolving base of knowledge. Students respond critically and creatively to a constellation of literatures in seminar formats made possible by small classes. Faculty encourage open inquiry, drawing on a broad selection of literary approaches. Through a variety of innovative and traditional methods, faculty and students engage in a rich dialog that creates an active learning environment where both parties are learners and teachers.

Graduates are positioned to enter a broad scope of fields including publishing, media, public relations, education, law, or communications, or they might choose to pursue graduate and professional degrees. It is our program’s goal to graduate astute readers, writers, and speakers, who will have not only the necessary skills for whatever occupation they choose, but also a lifelong passion for literature and writing. Faculty model scholarship, curiosity, openness of spirit and lifelong learning, in and out of class.

Faculty

Dr. Bethany Blankenship, Chair 
 

Associate Professor of English

• B.A. Hollins University, 1994
• M.A. University of Arkansas, 1996
• Ph.D. Washington State University, 2005 

Dr. O. Alan Weltzien 
 

Professor of English

• A.B. Whitman College, 1974
• M.A. University of Virginia, 1975
• Ph.D. University of Virginia, 1982

Dr. Diana Francis 
 

Professor of English

• B.A. University of California at Davis, 1989
• M.A. Iowa State University, 1992
• Ph.D. Ball State University, 1999

Dr. Shane Borrowman

Assistant Professor of English

• B.A.E. Eastern Washington University, 1993
• M.A. Eastern Washington University, 1995
• Ph.D. The University of Arizona, 2001

Dr. Greg Grewell

Assistant Professor of English

• B.A. San Jose State University, 1990
• M.A. San Jose State University, 1992
• Ph.D. University of Arizona, 2011

Rebecca Knotts

Visiting Assistant Professor

• B.A. Boise State University, 1997
• M.F.A. George Mason University, 2002
• TEFL Certificate in Teaching EFL, New World Teachers, 1997
• TEFL-C Certificat in Teaching EFL to Children, New World Teachers, 1997

Dr. Danielle Jones

Visiting Assistant Professor

Roger Dunsmore

Visiting Assistant Professor

• B.S. (Psychology) Pennsylvania State University, 1960 
• M.A. Pennsylvania State University, 1963
• M.F.A. University of Montana Missoula, 1971 

Teresa Pletch

Adjunct Instructor

• B.A. Purdue University, 1971
• M.S. Purdue University, 1977