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Challenging Students to ACHIEVE the Extraordinary
Opportunities abound for students to publish and present their creative works.
Maya Davis, a senior majoring in English and minoring in Criminal Justice, can testify to the value of a liberal arts degree. “I enjoy looking at major events and how they shift over time. I used my English courses to learn analytical writing so that I could understand past events and conduct research on current events.”
When Dr. Matthew Carlson, associate professor of English, encouraged her to major in English, Maya said it was a natural fit. Under Dr. Carlson’s guidance, Davis has used her analytical writing skills to present at High-PURCS, conduct research through HPU’s Summer Research Institute (SuRI), and present at the 2023 annual conference of Sigma Tau Delta, a prestigious international honor society for English students. Davis is thankful for all the opportunities provided to English majors and looks forward to applying her skills in her future career.
Literary Awards and Conferences
On February 25th, five students under the direction of Dr. Charmaine Cadeau, associate professor of English, attended the 2023 N.C. College Media Association Conference to represent Apogee, HPU’s award-winning literary magazine. Thanks to senior Ashley Pratt, a graphic design major, Apogee earned second place for its front cover photo and another second place for a two-page spread, titled Machine Learning, which featured writing from Jacob Shores and artwork from Max Roberts, both HPU students.
On March 29 - April 1, English majors Maya Davis, McKinley Johnson, and Max Kresock presented at the 2023 Sigma Tau Delta annual convention in Denver. The convention attracts over 900 students, faculty, and respected authors from all over the world. Davis, Johnson, and Kresock worked closely with Dr. Carlson and Sigma Tau Delta Chapter Chair Dr. Virginia Leclercq, assistant professor of English and French, to prepare for the convention. At the awards luncheon, Johnson was given the Isabel Sparks President’s Award (second place) for best original poetry, and Kresock was given the Beth DeMeo Poetry Award (first place) for best critical work on poetry or a poet.
In Kresock’s words, “The most rewarding part of studying English is all the varied opportunities that it’s afforded me. If you can read deeply, think clearly, and write and communicate effectively, it opens so many doors.”
