Laura Thacker (BA '12, MA '14) The most beautiful thing about studying English is the ability to step outside of yourself and experience a new perspective. In a 1964 interview, James Baldwin said, “You think your pain and heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read. It was books that … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Laura Thacker
Jamie H. Gilson (BA '14, MA '16) Before I came to Kansas State, before I found the room for Greg Eiselein’s class on my first day, before I convinced my academic advisor to let me take “Intro to Literary Studies” as an undeclared major, before I taught Expository Writing I & II, and well before … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Jamie Gilson
Kinsley Searles (BA '22, MA '24) When I first started studying English in K-State, my goal was to go on to get my Ph.D. and become an English professor. I envisioned myself writing articles, presenting at conferences, and chatting with students. But in my career today, you can often find me blowing up marshmallows in … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Kinsley Searles
Molly Hamm-Rodriguez (BA '10) When I tell people that I am from Kansas, they are usually surprised. How did I end up in a career focused on comparative and international education, given where I’m from? In response, I always point to my time as an English major at K-State. My interest in understanding the human … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Molly Hamm-Rodriguez
Malorie Wagner (BA ’18) (Photo: Feb 2019) Since our blog debuted in 2017, we have published 500+ posts. While some of you may have been with us from the start (thank you, loyal readers!), others may have joined us more recently. So, we're highlighting periodically some of the posts that have garnered a lot of … Continue reading From the Archive: Alumni Spotlight: Malorie Wagner
Emma Herrman (BA '16) I was hired as an events coordinator two days before the world ended. Yes, I’m being a bit dramatic, but only slightly. In March 2020, I was working as an administrative assistant to two deans in the College of Arts and Sciences at K-State, and I was ready for a change. … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Emma Herrman
Feedback from one of the participants at our 20th Annual Career Seminar (21 Feb 2024) On Wednesday February 21, 2024, we held our 20th Annual Career Seminar for undergraduate and graduates students in English. Back in 2005, this event began as a way to empower our English majors and MA students who expressed concern … Continue reading The Annual Career Seminar
Ashley Brown Morris (BA '09, MA '12) 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, … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Ashley Brown Morris
Cassidy Hartig (BA '24) I have a game running with myself when I tell someone my major. I’ve practically rigged it— a 90% win rate. The rules are simple: 1) tell someone I’m studying English, 2) see how many words off I am from the usual “You’re planning to teach?” Honestly, it’s an honor— teachers … Continue reading Undergrad Student Spotlight: Cassidy Hartig
Dustin Vann (BA '16, MA '20) 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 … Continue reading Alumni Spotlight: Dustin Vann
K-State English 