I can’t remember a time I didn’t love books. They provided me with a sanctuary where I could find my voice and learn without the pressure of having to talk. Being a shy child, it took me a long time to articulate my feelings, and by the time I found the words, it often felt … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Tara Coleman
“To Be a Kansas State University Alum (MA 2006)” By Dennis Etzel Jr To look back at the brief two years, not just out of fondness and freedom, but transformation. To be given the privilege of having a Graduate Teaching Assistantship. To realize how much I love teaching. To be able to bond with other … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Dennis Etzel Jr
I began my love affair with the K-State English Department in during the fall 2005 semester as an undergraduate freshman student. I came to K-State without knowing what I wanted to major in but knowing that I had always loved my English classes. This love only grew, and, during my sophomore year, I decided to … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Brown Morris
In 2022, I was invited to speak on an alumni panel to current K-State English students and faculty. What follows is an adapted version of that discussion. How did I end up in Kansas? My partner and I applied to Master’s programs all over the country, and K-State gave us the best offer. We packed … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Steven Tolson
In August 2012, I drove through the golden-yellow Flint Hills for the first time. I’d applied to K-State’s Children’s Lit program because I wasn’t sure what else to do after college. I liked kid’s books and I liked school, and the thought of getting a job gave me existential dread. It ended up being the … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Mel Hammond
“The best two years of my life” seemed a bit of an over-exaggerated description, especially to the professor who was conducting my exit interview during my final days at K-State. I think that’s why he replied, something along the lines of, “I mean, I have heard good things, but the ‘best two years,’ not sure … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Lamees Al Ethari
When people ask me what I do for a living, I tell them that I play with words. My official title at the human-scale publishing company where I work is copy editor, but I’ve had authors refer to me as a fairy godmother, a wizard, a savant. The thing is, this isn’t about me. Any … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Elizabeth Schroll
I approached my latest job search with more calm and practicality than even I thought I could muster. Unlike previous searches, where the stakes were higher to find a job due to the end of a lease or a global pandemic, this time around, I wanted to have more of a plan. I enjoyed my … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Dustin Vann
Congratulations to Lisa Sisley (BA ’92) on her retirement this month from New Boston Creative Group! As the New Boston team announced last month, “Nearly 17 years ago, Lisa Sisley helped found New Boston Creative Group LLC with Kristin Brighton and Susan Religa. Since then, Lisa has served our community, helped clients shine, molded employees … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Lisa Sisley
Why I Stuck with English When Journalism Became My Calling When I started my K-State experience in 2016, I was excited to see what career path I would eventually end up on while earning my English degree. I made the decision to study English well before I applied to attend K-State, and I had to … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Dene Dryden
K-State English 