Ph.D. in Media, Art and Text,
Virginia Commonwealth University, Expected Completion, May 2009
Master of Arts, English Literature,
Virginia Commonwealth University, May 1996
Bachelor of Arts, English Literature,
James Madison University, May 1989
Fall 2006 - Present
Graduate Student, Virginia Commonwealth University
Ph.D. in Media, Art and Text
Full-time doctoral student in interdisciplinary program sponsored jointly by the English
Department, the School of Mass Communications and the School of Fine Arts. G.A. in conjunction with this program: Webmaster for Mass Communications (1 year); Instructor, Intro to Mass Communications – Break-out; Event photographer; AUSACE Conference website coordinator.
2001 – 2006
Adjunct Instructor, Virginia Commonwealth University
Instructor of English 200 (Craft of Writing with Research) consistently through Fall, Spring and Summer semesters (early session). Fall 2004 semester, began teaching in paperless, on-line format using Blackboard as the forum for paper submissions, etc. Emphasis in this course on the development of argument through the pursuit of a semester-long research topic, various process papers, analytical readings, research methods, source evaluation, peer response workshop, and self-evaluative writing. Course results in a 13-15 page researched, personal, academic essay.
Instructor of English 304 (Advanced Composition) as needed. Emphasis on essay form in creative non-fiction and related genres. Students focus on advancing writing skills, developing voice and style. Incorporates study of essayists, as well as experimentation with various writing forms and purposes. Writing intensive, workshop-based.
Instructor of English 206 (American Literature II, 1865 – Present) as needed. Emphasis in this course on a study of literary movements, and American works within their appropriate cultural, historical, political and social contexts. Writing intensive, through use of guided reading response questions directly linked to textual analysis, and use of website links, historical documents, images to augment classroom understanding of how literature informs culture, and vice versa.
Have served two terms as Adjunct Liaison to English Department.
2000 - Present
Assistant to Athletic Directors, Collegiate School, Richmond, Virginia
Administrative support, primarily in the form of website management (to include records and scheduling), production of all Department publications, policy statements, Athletic Advisory Board presentations, contributions to alumnae and patron publications and training/ management of intern personnel. Also responsible for Department event planning, and photography as needed.
1999-2000
English Teacher, Long-term Substitute, Collegiate School, Richmond, Virginia
In separate contracts, taught 9th grade English/Literature, and 10th grade American Literature for 6 months and 4 months, respectively.
Emphasis in 9th grade sections on applying an understanding of literary terms to works, which ranged from Greek Drama to English and American Poetry, the short story as literary form, and select British novels.
Emphasis in 10th grade sections on a survey of American Literature, with emphasis on the Modern and Post-Modern periods. Serious emphasis on development of writing skills, to include textual analysis, development of thesis, and use of criticism to support argument and development of ideas.
1996-1999
Substitute Teacher, Collegiate School, Richmond, Virginia
Worked regularly as a substitute teacher in the Middle and Upper Schools for all subjects.
1993-1994
Graduate Teaching Assistant, Virginia Commonwealth University
Independently taught English 101 and English 102 as a G.T.A., while finishing coursework for the M.A.
1989-1993
Technical Writer, State of Virginia
Developed desk manuals, computer system guidebooks and helpscreens, employee handbooks, policy statements, management analysis reports, speeches, audio-visual presentations, and public relations statements, as well as Commissioner’s correspondence and research for specific projects. Primary Agency: Department of Motor Vehicles. Also loaned to Governor Wilder’s Transition Office for several months in essentially the same capacity.