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English

A degree in English will provide Thomas More University graduates with job market versatility, knowledge of verbal and written expression, and an edge in a culture defined by fast-paced exchanges of information. The skills cultivated by English majors remain in top demand across the U.S.

English majors may choose one of two concentrations: either literary studies or creative writing. Both concentrations allow for double majoring with another field of study. Many students completing an English degree are double majors.

Why study English at TMU?

Like every other department at the college, the English faculty value one-on-one advising and personal relationships with students. Not only do English faculty encourage individual growth by fostering mentor relationships and by assisting students as they arrange job shadowing opportunities or networking experiences, but they also offer real-world professional development by providing students with any/all of the following: publication and/or editing experience through the WORDS literary magazine, a publication that is locally and internationally renowned, tutoring experience for those wanting to develop career-relevant skills, and experiential learning at a range of local nonprofits that offer students an opportunity to interface with professionals in the local communities.

What will I be doing?

Through the range of departmental course offerings, students will hone a sensitivity to language, an appreciation of fine literature, and the mastery of creative and analytical writing. The Thomas More English programs offer a range of opportunities for creative inquiry beyond the traditional classroom. Students may present at the annual, national Sigma Tau Delta conference or participate in opportunities provided by the Creative Writing Vision Program (CWVP). The CWVP has enabled students to find leadership roles in publication, editing, and community programming.

Who will I be learning from?

Prof. Sarah Blackwell

Instructor/Lecturer
B.A., Thomas More College, KY
M.A., University of Cincinnati, OH
email: blackws@thomasmore.edu

Prof. Julie Daoud

Professor
B.A., Miami University, OH
M.A., University of Cincinnati, OH
Ph.D. University of Cincinnati, OH
email: daoudj@thomasmore.edu

Prof. Rex Easley

Professor
B.A., The Ohio State University, OH
M.F.A., Bowling Green State University, OH
Ph.D. Bowling Green State University, OH
email: easler@thomasmore.edu

Prof. Jim Schuttemeyer

Associate Professor
B.A., Thomas More College, KY
M.A., University of Kentucky, KY
email: schutj@thomasmore.edu

Prof. Sherry Cook Stanforth

Professor
B.A., Miami University, OH
M.A., University of Cincinnati, OH
Ph.D. University of Cincinnati, OH
email: stanfs@thomasmore.edu

Prof. Luke Geddes

Instructor
B.A., University of Wisconsin, Oshkosh
MFA Wichita State University
Ph.D. University of Cincinnati
email: Luke.Geddes@thomasmore.edu

The department at a glance.

Faculty in the English Department have specialties across literary studies, creative writing, and composition and rhetoric. In addition to six full-time faculty and several part-time faculty, the department features a Writer in Residence – appointed annually. Among those who have served the college are Pauletta Hansel, a regionally known poet, memoirist, teacher and editor who was recently named the first Poet Laureate of Cincinnati, and Richard Hague, an awarding-winning poet and author of a dozen collections of poetry who draws largely on his Appalachian roots as a native of Steubenville, Ohio. Additionally, many of the Thomas More faculty have experience teaching abroad, and faculty members of the James Graham Brown Honors Program also supervise the Honors Fellowship projects at the behest of the students.

Where do alumni work or pursue advanced degrees?

While many students choose to work in traditional careers related to editing, publishing, journalism, advertising, marketing, or education, others pursue careers in grant writing, social service, corporate development, or business administration. Thomas More University English graduates are also well prepared for graduate school or law school.

What careers will be open to me?

Careers opportunities for English graduates include publishing, editing, teaching, public relations, literary agent, speechwriter, fundraising, campaign management, news correspondent, web editing, writing, business entrepreneurship.

What experiential learning opportunities will I have?

Experiential learning opportunities encompass a variety of activities including college tutoring, literary reading series management, copy editing, literary magazine publication, collegiate sports writing, parish newsletter editing, news reporting and feature writing, grant writing, media relations, and organizational publicity.

What scholarships or aid are available?

The Sandra L. Cuni Scholarship is an award given yearly to an English major whose work best exemplifies the ideals that Dr. Cuni held for Creative Writing.  This award commemorates the high academic and creative standards of its namesake and may be credited toward tuition, fees and/or books.