Lipscomb English majors have 17 research essays, poetry and short fiction works accepted for national academic conference
Students will present their written works at the Sigma Tau Delta national convention this spring.
Keely Hagan | 615-966-6491 |
The Department of English and Modern Languages recently announced that 17 English majors have had their works accepted for the English honor society Sigma Tau Delta national convention in Denver, Colorado, in March.
“Having one’s work accepted to this convention is an honor,” said Dr. Willie Steele, professor of English. “The committee received thousands of submissions from colleges and universities around the world. Being included in this event recognizes the high quality of work our students at Lipscomb are doing on a regular basis.”
Normally about five Lipscomb students have their works accepted each year, which is a celebrated achievement among the universities involved in the honor society. This year’s group of 17 students is by far the most Lipscomb has had selected to present at the annual convention. Only two other schools in the nation had more student papers accepted – the College of New Jersey, with 32 accepted and Utah State University, with 20 accepted
Lipscomb students selected for their outstanding works are Anna Adams, Peyton Anderson, Alisa Chirkova-Holland, Grace Dotson, Cassidy Fesmire, Shelby Hallett, Martha Harris, Lauren Kells, Austin Mitchell, Ashlynn Perry, Rachel Randolph, Leah Rice, Grace Richardson, Addy Sigmon, Noah Stump, Germeen Tanas and Emma Visker.
Each student submitted work they had written for a class at Lipscomb.
The convention will showcase the best student works nationwide and recognize the high achievement of these exceptional writers. In addition to presenting their research essays, poetry and short fiction, students will be given the opportunity to hear from internationally-known authors and to participate in leadership events, professional development workshops and breakout sessions with schools from their region. The four-day experience is designed to help students develop their skills and talents in preparation for graduate school or professional lives after graduation.
Dr. Matt Hearn, professor of English, will travel to Denver with the students and guide them on how to prepare and be confident in what for most will be their first time presenting on such a big platform. As faculty, Hearn will also participate in advisor workshops, develop relationships with programs at other departments and discuss ways for local chapters to become more involved in their communities.
“Our junior and senior English majors have come of age in a time of trauma that none of us could have conceived, and they have done so with grace and compassion,” said Dr. Kimberly Reed, professor and interim co-chair of English and modern languages. “They have refused to allow a pandemic to stop them from reading and writing, from thinking and imagining. Instead, they have seen that ‘the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness comprehended it not.’
“On behalf of our department, I am grateful for the light they reflect in this deep midwinter,” said Reed.