Since 1979 when the Program was established at the West Virginia College of Graduate Studies, Graduate Humanities students have come from varied backgrounds: teachers, engineers, English majors, business leaders, healthcare workers, librarians. Among our graduates you’ll find freelance writers and editors, K-12 and collegiate educators, television and radio professionals, photographers, artists, folklorists, museum professionals, and many others.

We are currently compiling a complete list of our alumni over the past 30+ years – what appears below is a developing list and we will update it as we gather further information.

If you would like to update your profile – or have information to help us update the list below – please contact our Program Assistant, Trish Hatfield.

Now appearing in alphabetical order . . .

Adkins, John

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Letters and Papers of the Baldwin-Felts Agency.” (Historical Studies)

Where today? Director of Library Services, University of Charleston, Charleston, West Virginia

What did you value about the program? (2006) “My MA from MUGC was very beneficial.”

Ahangardezfooli, Jeanette

2010

Title of Thesis/Project: “Perceptions of Muslim Women in America Specifically West Virginians.” (Cultural Studies)

Alcarzar, Delores

1989

Title of Thesis/Project:

Where today? Delores teaches Spanish at Capital High School. Recently taught Spanish at University of Charleston. (Phone interview, 2006)

What did you value about the program? (Phone Interview, 2006) “My Master’s from MUGC was very beneficial in aiding me to teach at University of Charleston and has helped me move into my secondary education career.”

Anderson, Colleen

2003

Title of Thesis/Project: “Windfall: Six Short Stories” (Literary Studies/Creative Writing)

Where today? Self-employed business owner of Mother Wit Writing and Design.  She works as a writer and graphic designer. (For an interview with Colleen about her singing and songwriting, see Fall 2012 Graduate Humanities Newsletter Vol. 35, Issue 2)

What did you value about the program? “I had no illusion of a master’s degree in Humanities increasing my income, although it may have made me a more credible workshop provider. The real value was that it opened up my mind, enriched me with new things to explore.”

Anderson, Karen

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Billing Below Title: The Contested Autobiographies of Frances Farmer and Louise Brooks.” (Literature and Culture)

Where today? Teaches General and Composition English at West Virginia State College

What did you value about the program? “Some of my professors from Marshall are now my colleagues.”

Bailey, Nancy

1985

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Writer and His World.” (Behaviorial Science)

Ballard, William

1989

Title of Thesis/Project: Thematic Studies

Beck, Sarah

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “One Free Foot Kicking / Under the White Sheet of History: Feminine Images in the Poetry of Eiléan Ni Chuilleanáin” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Phone Interview, 2006) Teaches high school English and Advance Placement classes.

What did you value about the program? (Phone Interview, 2006) “My degree gave me a broad understanding of history, culture, and literature and how important the interaction is. I am able to convey that understanding to my students.”

Belcher, Larry

1996

Title of Thesis/Project: Created a website for the Graduate Humanities Program (Arts and Society)

Belle, Sue Ellen

1988

Title of Thesis/Project: (Religious Studies)

Where today? (Phone Interview, 2006) Thirty-two years with Marshall University Library in Government Documents

What did you value about the program? “It was a very positive experience.”

Benincasa, Marcy

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “In the Shadows: The Search for Identity in the Writings of Gloria Analdúa, Cherrie Moraga, Sandra Cisneros, and Julia Alvarez.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Phone Interview, 2006) Paralegal

What did you value about the program? “My degree helped improve my writing and research skills.”

Blaul, Rosalie

1991

Title of Thesis/Project:

Blaylock, Mimi

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “African-American Women Faculty at West Virginia State College.”

Where today? (Mimi passed on summer of 2012)

Blisard, John

1989

Bockway, Charles

1989

Bonnett, Renae

2011

Title of Thesis/Project: “Conduits and Conveyances: Humanities and Life-Long Learning.” (Cultural/Literary Studies)

Where today? Renae teaches college English.

Borovicka, Zachary

2012

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Sigma Theta Epsilon, Alpha Gamma Chapter Oral History Project.” (Cultural Studies)

Bukac, Gerald

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Coming of Age in 1968.” (Cultural Studies)

Burke-Cremeans, Brenda

2007

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Way Were . . . The Way We Are . . .” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Phone Interview, 2006) Brenda is an English teacher in Putnam county and does freelance creative writing.

What did you value about the program? “My degree opened fields of study for me to teach.”

Calwell (Fleming), Rebecca

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Role of Community in Two Novels of Barbara Kingsolver.” (Language and Literature)

Where today? Rebecca is an Editor at the West Virginia Humanities Council

What did you value about the program? “This degree broadened my mind. I attained a Humanities degree for self-fulfillment, not to advance my career.”

Catsos, Anita (Zoe)

1992

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Road to Padua: Performances as Text in the Taming of the Shrew.” (Literary Themes & Genres)

Chisholm, Elaine

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “Clearing the ‘Mist’: A Reverse Reading of Charlotte Brontë’s Villette.” (Literary Studies)

Clark, Ashley

2008

Title of Thesis/Project: “Glenwood Inventory Project.” (Cultural Studies/Appalachian Studies)

Clark, Katie

2011

Title of Thesis/Project: “’Belle Prater’s Boy: Where I’m From.” (Cultural Studies/Appalachian Studies)

Clay, Terri

1994

Cohn, Judith

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “It Means I Can’t Sleep When You’re Not There” (A group of four original short stories) (Creative Writing & Media)

Cook, Steven

2004

Title of Thesis/Project: “Backcountry Rangers: A Study of William Preston’s Company in the Seven Year’s War.” (Literary Studies)

Counts, Diane

2003

Title of Thesis/Project: “Jane Austen’s Powers of Consciousness.” (Literary Studies)

Cox (Jr.), James

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Post-Civil War History in Cheatham Co., TN.” (Historical Studies)

Crawford, Kimberly

1991

Title of Thesis/Project: (Historical Perspectives)

Cross, Holly

2002

Title of Thesis/Project: “Heka.” (Literature & Film)

Where today? Holly passed on October 17, 2002

Davidson, Joan

1992

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literature as Cultural Development)

Davis, Mark

1995

Title of Thesis/Project: “The State of Humanities Studies at Southern West Virginia Community and Technical College.” (Historical Studies/Philosophy)

Where today? (Phone Interview, 2006) Executive Director of West Virginia State Community and Technical College. Teaches Humanities at Wheeling Jesuit and WVSC, has a private consulting business called WRITERIGHT!, which helps industry and businesses with their writing. Currently working on a law degree. Has a PhD in Education with a minor in English. Did post-doc work in Special Education. One of four nationally published dissertations.

What did you value about the program? “My Masters in Humanities allowed me to teach more subjects at a higher level. It was a springboard for completing my doctorate.“

Dobbins, Nancy

1984

Dooley (Lynch), Jennifer

2012

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Underside of Bridges: One Asperger Perspective.” (Historical Studies)

Doss, Joy

2003

Title of Thesis/Project: (Cultural Studies and Literature)

Drennan, William

1993

Title of Thesis/Project: (History)

Eddy, Judith

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “Lee Smith: The Narrative Voice through Body and Spirit.” (Literary Studies)

Edwards, Harold

1982

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Development of Welded Sculpture.” (20th Century)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Harold is an artist and full time teacher at Sissonville High School. Since 1981, he has exhibited his work in galleries and exhibitions throughout the Mid-Atlantic and Southern Atlantic regions. He spent four years teaching at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio, and four years with Virginia Commonwealth University as an instructor. Edwards maintains a studio at his home in Charleston.

Elmore (Webster), Kimberly

1995 

Title of Thesis/Project: “Feminine Style in Political Discourse.” (Media Studies)

Evans, Traci

2006

Title of Thesis/Project: “Shattered, Broken, Mended, and Whole: A Memoir.” (Literary Studies)

Farruggia, Patricia

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: “Hitler’s Artistic Policies and His Use of Poster Art for Propaganda.” (The Arts in Society)

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) Worked as an art teacher for 20 years. In 2006 became Assistant Vice Principal at DuPont Middle School.

Ferrell, Sandra

1995

Title of Thesis/Project: “Coming of Age Novels and Diversity: Middle School Literature.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) Teaches Humanities 101 at WV State University.

What did you value about the program? “I feel that the Humanities enhances everything you do . . .rounds you out.”

Flowers, Richard

 2002

Title of Thesis/Project: “Miner Relief.” (Cultural Studies)

Foster, Leska

 2006

Title of Thesis/Project: “Historical Preservation in the Elementary Classroom.” (Historical Studies)

Foster, Sandra

2005

Title of Thesis/Project: “Mother-Daughter Relationships in Jennifer Johnston’s Novels.” (Historical Studies)

Freeman, Angela

1995

Title of Thesis/Project: “Kromer, Pancake, and Benedict: Tracing the Influence of One Generation Upon the Next.” (Literary Themes & Genres)

Fuller, Pamela

1990

Where today? Pamela passed on in 2005.

Gallagher, Andrew

1988

Title of Thesis/Project: (Historical Studies)

Where today? (2012, personal file) Associated Press Reporter at the Statehouse and a teacher at West Virginia State University and University of Charleston.

What did you value about the program?  (Phone interview, 2006) “I’m using my degree to teach part-time at both WV State University and University of Charleston.”

Galyean, Candy

 1985

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Pursuit of Nancy Mitford: A Biographical Criticism of the Pursuit of Love and Love in Cold Climate.” (Literary Studies)

Gatens, Paula

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “Can Hope Exist in a Postmodern World? An Analysis of the Film Industry’s Treatment of Death and Dying in Four Postmodern Films.” (Influence of Past in 20th Century)

Giancola, Anthony

1992

Title of Thesis/Project: (Modern Fiction in English)

Gibson, Crystal

 1996

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Art of Oral Tradition and Quest for Identity in the Writing of N. Scott Momaday.” (History and Culture)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Crystal is an English Language Arts and Theater teacher at Clay County High School. She also serves as an adjunct professor for West Virginia State University. Crystal has been an active member of the RESA III Fine Arts team. She is a member of West Virginia Theater Conference (WVTC) and is currently serving as a WVTC Secondary Representative.

Green, Jeff

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “Coyote Tracks: Examining the Trickster in the Works of Leslie Marmon Silko.” (Culture and Literature)

Greene, Deborah

1990

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) Teaches Latin at Riverside High School, Belle, West Virginia. Previously taught the Classics.

What did you value about the program? “I believe the Humanities Program keeps the arts alive. The wonderful staff helped me design my interests around core classes. I wrote a program of study for the county and created a job for myself and the curriculum.”

Griffith Roberts, Carolanne

1984

Where today? (Online, 2012) Features Editor of Southern Living magazine

Hall, Shirley

1988

Title of Thesis/Project: “When Sally Meets Shakespeare.” (Literary Studies)

Hartz, Hope

1996

Title of Thesis/Project: “Authenticity of the Last of the Mohicans Files.” (The Artist & Culture)

Hatfield, Trish

2008

Title of Thesis/Project: “Holding Smoke in Your Hands: Stories of Home and Purpose.” (Cultural Studies)

Where today? Self-employed (facilitator/trainer).  Also part-time Program Assistant for the  Marshall University Greater Humanities Program.

What did you value about the program? “The Humanities Program increased my sense of self-worth and freedom. Hooray! I learned to write better, think more critically, listen deeply to diverse opinions and share my own ideas more comfortably. Plus I was exposed to materials that I would never have sought out on my own and was helped immensely by the seminar discussions to appreciate and understand more of the world.”

Hechesky, Lisa

2005

Title of Thesis/Project: “Return to Main Street: An Assessment of the Main Street Revitalization Program.” (Cultural Studies)

Where today? Library Associate, Marshall University Graduate College, South Charleston Campus

Henson, Sr., Harold

1989

Title of Thesis/Project: (Cultural and Political Forces in American History)

Homer, Charlene

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “West Virginia Quilts and Contemporary Art Forms.” (Arts and Humanities)

Where today? (My Heritage.org, 2012) Charlene passed on in 2004.

Hoptry, Janet (Robinson)

 1995

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Miserable Martyrs: Female Characters in Sherwood Anderson’s Winesburg, Ohio.” (Literary Studies)

Huffman, Nancy

1987

Title of Thesis/Project: (The Writer and His Audience)

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) Nancy is retired. She taught English to college freshman.

What did you value about the program? “My Humanities degree gave me a well-balanced background in the arts and literature. It has also aided in all I have done professionally and personally.

Hughes, Ben

2010

Title of Thesis/Project: “Multi-Media Presentation Based Upon Original Narrative for Project Archaeology.” (Cultural Studies)

Hunt, Connie

1983

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Glenwood Collection.” (Early Kanawha Valley History)

Hutton, Robert

 2002

Title of Thesis/Project: “Narrative Devices in Jennifer Johnston’s Novels.” (Literary Studies)

Isaacs, Clifton

2004

Title of Thesis/Project: “Appalachian Material Cultural Bibliography.” (Language and Culture)

Isner (Mullins), Shanna

 2006

Title of Thesis/Project: “In Their Own Words: West Virginia Soldiers and Operation Iraqi Freedom.” (Literary Studies)

Jack, Jeffrey

2005

Title of Thesis/Project: “Irish Representations in the Films of Jim Sheridan and Neil Jordan.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? Assistant Professor at University of Phoenix. Facilitates online and ground campus courses in English, Communication, and Humanities. Conducts classes in asynchronous environment. Prepares and post weekly materials, engages in weekly online discussions with students, prepares weekly feedback on participation and assignments that are both qualitative and quantitative. Participates in professional development, including workshops and content area meetings. Assist with curriculum development and design. Explores and learns about changes in courses and share “best practices” with fellow faculty members. (LinkedIn, 2012)

Jacobs, Kathy

1989

Where now? Kathy is an instructor at WVU Tech.

Jean, Amy

1993

Title of Thesis/Project: (Cultural Influences on Modern Literature)

Jiménez-Góngora, Antonio

2010

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Hispanic Population in Southern West Virginia: Increasing Population, Language Barriers, Services and Perspectives for Change.” (Cultural Studies)

Where today? (LinkedIn, 2012) Associate Professor at West Virginia State College

Jones,Patricia

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “Conjuring in Gloria Naylor’s Mama Day.” (Literary Studies)

Juncosa, Alicia

2007

Title of Thesis/Project: “Economics and Stereotypes.” (Historical Studies)

Where today? (Letter in private file, 2009) Adjunct Professor in Spanish, West Virginia State College.

Kees, Brenda Joyce

1987

Title of Thesis/Project: (Thematic Studies)

Keller, Michael

1990

Title of Thesis/Project: (Film and Video in Modern Culture)

Where today? (LinkedIn, 2012) Michael is a Digital Media Editor at West Virginia Humanities Council; President, Board of Directors at West Virginia Youth Symphony; Owner Michael Keller Photography. He was twenty-six years with WV Division of Culture and History.

Kessel, Jessie

1995

Title of Thesis/Project: “Female Death and Desire in Tennessee Williams.” (Media Studies)

King, Helen

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: “Hear the Lonesome Whistle.” (History and Culture)

Kirk (Conner), Annette

2009

Title of Thesis/Project: “Why Do You Play That? The Mountain Dulcimer in Appalachia.” (Appalachian Studies)

Knighton, Betty

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “Mother-Daughter Relationships in Irish Novels.” (Cultural Study through Literature)

Where today? Betty has been the director of the West Virginia Center for Civic Life since its founding in 1998. A primary focus of her work has been building a network of public dialogue in the state through collaborative partnerships with educational, civic, faith-based, and governmental organizations.

Kosky, Pete

2004

Title of Thesis/Project: “Original Songs about the Allegheny Frontier.” (Historical Studies)

Where today? Pete teaches history at South Charleston High School.

What did you value about the program? “It’s what you want to get out of it–I needed a Master’s degree for my teaching certification which gave me a raise but it was a very enriching experience. My emphasis was on historical studies and I was learning more about history, which I teach. My final project included recording a collection of songs that I wrote about the Allegheny Frontier.” (For an interview with Pete about his singing and songwriting, see Fall 2012 Graduate Humanities Newsletter Vol. 35, Issue 2)

Kuhn, Trudy

1991

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literary Studies)

Legg, Connie

2000

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Use of Fantasy, Narrative, and Motivation in Julio Cortazar’s Narcissistic and Ironic Paradise.” (Literary Studies, 20th Century)

Lincoln, Hazel

1990

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literature in Context)

Lorish, Ellen

2007

Title of Thesis/Project: “A House, A Mother and A Daughter: A Memoir of Dance.” (Literary and Historical Studies)

Louderback, Anita

1992

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literature and Culture)

Where today? Retired.

What did you value about the program? (Phone interview, 2006) “I am 75 years old and completed my degree when the program was on the WVSC campus. The blend of younger students and older was an experience all by itself. I did not do the Humanities program to enhance job opportunities but (laughing) it will look good on my obituary.”

Love, Sally

1983

Title of Thesis/Project: (History and Theory of the Arts)

What did you value about the program? (Phone interview, 2006) I had a very, very positive experience. The program changed my life—it was one of the best experiences. After graduation I continued on with 27 hours in art history. I started Snowshoe Institute and continued with it for 7 years, but this year it is no longer a program. I am on the Marshall Foundation Board and the Huntington Art Museum.”

Marcum, Elizabeth

1990

Title of Thesis/Project: (European History and Culture)

Where today? (LinkedIn, 2012) Elizabeth is the Visitor Services Manager at Pittock Museum, Portland, Oregon.

Martin-Williams, Susan (Dr.)

2002

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Bramwell Millionaire’s Garden Club: Tour Guide Manual: A Collection of Quotes, Facts, Stories, and Trivia.” (American Culture)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Professor at Concord University, Athens, West Virginia

Mays, Janet

2002

Title of Thesis/Project: “Anne Morrow Lindbergh: Emerging from the Shadows.” (Literary Studies)

McIntyre, John

2002

Title of Thesis/Project: Draft of a screenplay, “Citizen’s Arrest.” (Media Studies)

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) Working in the film industry as camera crew and photographer. Also working on the TV program, “One Tree Hill.”

McKee, Martha

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Hands of Genius.” (Art and the Humanities)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Martha is Deputy Cabinet Secretary of the Department of Education and the Arts. She has served on numerous boards including the University of Charleston Builders, Avampato Discovery Museum, and Capital Market.

McKenzie, Rebecca

1990

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literary and Humanistic Studies)

Miller, Earl

1988

Title of Thesis/Project: (British and American Fiction)

Where today? (Newspaper clipping in personal file, 1992) Earl is Associate professor of Humanities at Southern West Virginia Community College, Wyoming Campus, Saulsville, West Virginia.

Miller, Gloria

1991

Title of Thesis/Program: “The Failed Catharsis of Herman Melville.” (Literature and History in 20th Century)

Where today? (Letter in personal file, 1992) Teaching English and Speech at Matoaka High School in Mercer County.

Miller, Tia

2010

Title of Thesis/Project: “Much Ado About Shakespeare.” (Literary/Cultural Studies)

Muehlman, Kathleen

1998

Title of Thesis/Program: “Dora Carrington.” (20th Century Studies)

Mullens, Christopher

2005

Title of Thesis/Project: “Karen Vuranch, Teller of Tales.” (Arts & Society)

Mullins, Debbie

1998

Title of Thesis/Program: “The Construction of Motherhood in Sula and Beloved.” (Literature & Culture)

What did you value about the program? (Phone interview, 2006) “My experience in the program was positive.”

Mullins, Sharon

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “The West Virginia Juried Exhibit: A History 1976-1998.” (Arts & Society)

Where today? (Online White Pages, 2012) Sharon is Director of Membership Services at West Virginia Health Care Association.

Murray, Sarah

2004

Title of Thesis/Project: (Cultural Studies)

Najjar, Nada

1990

Where today? (Online search) Nada is on the English faculty School of Arts and Sciences at Mountain State University.

Owston, James

1992

Title of Thesis/Program: (Communications & Film)

Where today? (Online search, 2012) James is Dean of Distance Learning at Mountain State University.

Pauley, Beverly

2009

Title of Thesis/Project: “Eliza Poe: The Shadow that Breathed Over Edgar Alan Poe’s Shoulder and Defined his Fictional Women.” (Appalachian Studies – Certificate Program)

Where today? While Beverly was a student she published Gothic Bedtime Stories.

Pauley, Cari

1996

Title of Thesis/Project: “Edna O’Brien’s Place in Feminist Literature.” (Literary Studies)

Perrine, Greta

2008

Title of Thesis/Project: “Appalachia Folklore: A Generational Comparison.” (Literary/Cultural Studies)

Where today? (Letter in personal file) English 12 teacher at Webster County High School

Pitzer, Michael

1993

Where today? (Online, 2012) Consultant at MTCI, Charleston, West Virginia, Area 1, Public Relations and Communications. Former Adjunct Professor at West Virginia State University, Public Affairs Director at United States Air Force.

What did you value about the program? (Phone interview, 2006) “For the last thirty years, my career has dealt with some aspect of the Humanities. I was Director of Public Affairs at the Veterans Administration and for the Air National Guard. My Humanities degree has given me a well-rounded and extensive background. I’m thankful that the program offers usable communication and public relations skills.

Pleska, Cat

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “In the Fullness of Time: The Literature of Denise Giardina.” (Literary Studies: 20th Century)

Where today? Cat teaches writing in the Graduate Humanities Program. She was Senior Editor of Fed from the Blade, which was nominated for the prestigious 2012 Appalachian Book of the Year Awards. She is also an Essayist, President of West Virginia Writers, and an instructor at West Virginia State College.

Poe, Larry

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “Narrative Voicing in the Novels of Roddy Doyle.” (Literature & Arts – 20th Century)

Porterfield, William

1995

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literature and the Arts)

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) William teaches Humanities at the West Virginia Community and Technical College as Adjunct Professor. He is also Public Safety Officer at the college.

What did you value about the program? (Phone interview, 2006) “My degree allowed me to teach, which I love to do. I believes the degree allows me to teach the full picture to my students.

Pruitt, Kevin

2011

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Major Woodrum House: A Project in Historical Preservation.” (Literary Studies/Historical Studies)

Recco, Carol

1989

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Relationship between Myth and Selected Works of Hawthorne: A Summary.” (18th and 19th Century Culture and Literature)

Reed, Christopher R.

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: (Historical Studies)

Reed, Jerry

2011

Title of Thesis/Project: “Understanding the Needs of Appalachia: Clay County, West Virginia.” (Cultural Studies/Appalachian Studies)

Where today? (Personal File) Worked for over 10 years at Sunrise Museum/Avampato Discovery Museum. Instructor at WV Junior College in government.

Reynolds, Barbara

2004

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Art of Paula Clendenin.” (Cultural Studies)

Richardson, Preston

1996

Title of Thesis/Project: “Gas Kitchen Tales: Writing Short Fiction” (Three original short stories and an essay on the creative experience.) (Humanities and the Creative Process)

Where today? (Personal file, 1996) Preston works for the West Virginia Rehabilitation Research and Training Center in Institute, West Virginia

Riecks, Alice

1986

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Mysterious Stranger: The Dream Chapter in Context, An Introductory Analysis.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Librarian, Cross Lanes Public Library, Cross Lanes, West Virginia

Rojas, Libby

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Aids in American Film.” (Media Studies)

Where today? (Phone interview, 2006) Libby works as an Advocate for Domestic Violence survivors at the YWCA Family Resolve program.

What did you value about the program? “I enjoyed the program immensely.”

Santiago, Katie

2009

Title of Thesis/Project: “Constellations: An Anthology of the Marshall University Graduate Humanities Program Celebrating 30 Years (1979-2009).” (Cultural/Literary Studies)

Sarles, Kellan

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “Considering the Source: High School Students Gain Skills and Understanding by Interviewing Older Adults.” (Literature in Secondary School)

Where today? (Online search 2012) Kellan is Data and Information Specialist at Princeton High School, Princeton, West Virginia)

Schrader,Pat

1997

Title of Thesis/Project: “Resources and Strategies for Teaching American Indians.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Online notice from Cooke Funeral Home, 2012) Pat passed away on September 19, 2010

Scott, Adrian

2011

Title of Thesis/Project: “Family, Flowers, and Fancies: The Essence of Appalachia in the Poetry of Rose Burton Isaacs.” (Cultural Studies/Appalachian Studies)

Seger, Christine

2007

Title of Thesis/Project: “Drawing Hope: An Examination of Art by Prisoners and Patients.” (Cultural Studies)

Settle (Tovar), Angelica

2008

Title of Thesis/Project: “Daniel Boone: A Comic Strip and a Cultural Connection to Appalachia.” (Arts & Society)

Where today? Angelica returned to Cali, Columbia where she owns a chemicals consulting business, Insumos Industriales J.J., and co-directs Alcanzarte, an art gallery with classrooms for teaching. (See Angelica’s work and resume http://alcanzartetallerygaleria.blogspot.com/p/las-artistas.html)

What did you value about the program? “The program gave me: (1) respect for others, it’s amazing what handling language can give to you; (2) understanding of who I am and what I want; (3) happiness – I am way more happy than before because I make better use of my time, I am a better professional, I do a better job of communicating; and (4) I am a better teacher because I have tools and I am more open–minded. Humanities is everything we do; but we are not aware of it – that’s why it’s so difficult to talk about.” (For more on Angelica Tovar, visit www.marshall.edu/wpmu/graduatehumanities/newsletter for a full interview.)

Sherwood, Dolly

1980

Title of Thesis/Project: “Harriet Hosmer: The Roman Years: 1852-1864.”

Where today? (Dolly has passed on.)

What did you value about the program? Harriet published the book, “Harriet Hosmer: American Sculptor 1830–1908” in 1991 that was, to the best of our knowledge, begun or augmented while she was in the Humanities program. According to the book cover, Harriet wrote extensively on topics in the humanities, particularly American cultural history and the decorative arts.

Sias, Jennifer

2003

Title of Thesis/Project:

Where today? (Online White Pages, 2012) Jennifer is an Associate Professor, Information Literacy Librarian. She published a blog on “The Meaning of Success” at marshall.edu/wpmu/fys100-sias/

What did you value about the program? (Phone interview, 2006) Jennifer had a very positive experience with the Humanities program and was particularly fond of Arlene Thorne and Dr. East.

Sills, Chip

1985

Title of Thesis/Project: “Individuation and Cultural Crisis: A Critique of Philip Rieff.”

Simmons, Gordon

1983

Title of Thesis/Project: “Dialectic of Culture: Social Interpretation of the Literary Text in Lucien Goldmann & Jean-Paul Sartre.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? Gordon Simmons, who has lived in Charleston most of his life, works for the West Virginia Public Workers Union, UE Local 170. He has worked as a bookseller, publisher, librarian, and adjunct instructor in philosophy at Marshall. Contributes articles to WV Encyclopedia and interviews West Virginia authors.

Singletary (Reed), Jennifer

2001

Title of Thesis/Project: “If It Doesn’t Fit, You Must Acquit: An Ongian Analysis of ‘The Dream Team’s’ Addresses to the Jury in The People of California v.  Orenthal James Simpson.” (Cultural Studies)

Smith, Melissa

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “Abandonment, Neglect, and Poverty as Reflected in the Novels of Charles Dickens.” (Literary Studies)

What did you value about the program? “I enjoyed my time in the program.”

Smothers, Sally

1988

Title of Thesis/Program:

Where today? (Online, 2012) Sally is a Customer Service Representative at WISE WV Community Services for Women.

Sparks, Harold

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: “To Read or NOT to Read John Steinbeck: A Reexamination of Steinbeck’s Female Characters and His Feminist Critics.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Per personal file, Harold went on to study law at Tulane Law School and is currently an attorney at Hendrickson & Long, PLL.)

Stewart, Jason

2008

Title of Thesis/Project: “Through the Magic Glass.” (Cultural Studies)

Stover, Joyce

2002

Title of Thesis/Project: “West Virginia Women’s Commission: A History of the Early Years.” (Cultural Studies)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Joyce was Executive of West Virginia Women’s Commission in 2002.  She is an Assistant Professor of WVU at Parkersburg in the Education and Humanities Division Faculty.

What did you value about the program? (Letter in personal file) “I am proud to be a graduate.”

Stringer, Gary

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Images of the Poor: Art and TV.” (Cultural Studies)

Sturgeon, Carolyn

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: “Maya Angelou’s Autobiographical Writings: A Tale of a Survivor’s Search for a Place in the World.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Carolyn is an English teacher at West Virginia State Universtiy.  She posted a review of West Virginia author, Belinda Anderson on Amazon and was a Discussion Leader in 2008 for Kanawha County Public Library.

Surface, Terry

1995

Title of Thesis/Project: (Media Studies)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Connected with The Gift Horse, LTD in Cross Lanes, West Virginia.

Taylor, Ellen

1985

Title of Thesis/Program: (History and Theory of the Arts)

Teaford, Judy

1998

Title of Thesis/Project: “Appalachian Picture Books.” (Literary Studies)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Judy is an English instructor at Mountain State University

Titus, Ron

1997

Title of Thesis/Program: “The Diaries of Lt. Charles Edward Frampton of the American Expeditionary Force, 1917-1918.” (Literature and History)

Where today? (Online, 2012) Ron is an Electronic Services Librarian for Marshall University on the Huntington Campus.

Tolbert, Gail

1988

Title of Thesis/Project:

Where today? (Online, 2012) Gail is teaching at Cedar Grove Community School

Uppala, Sam

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: (Literary Studies)

Varney, Lora

2009

Title of Thesis/Project: “Relics of the Confederacy: The Feminine Experience in the American Civil War.” (Historical Studies)

Vaughn, Barbara

1989

Vuranch, Karen

1994

Title of Thesis/Project: (Celtic Literature & Culture)

Where today? Storyteller, actress, and writer Karen Vuranch is known for her traditional storytelling and plays based on oral history, such as Homefront, a play about women in America during WWII. In her living history presentations of famous American women, Karen brings to life novelist Pearl S. Buck, labor activist Mother Jones, humanitarian Clara Barton, Indian captive Mary Draper Ingles, Civil War soldier and spy Emma Edmunds, Irish pirate Grace O’Malley, Wild West outlaw Belle Starr and her newest character, the First Lady of Food, chef Julia Child. See www.enterprises.com/aboutkaren.cfm for more information.

Wagner, Amy

1993

Title of Thesis/Project: “The Life Cycle Theory of Social Movements: Applying Theory to a Business Phenomena.” (Media Studies)

Webster, Michelle

1993

Title of Thesis/Project: (Interpreting Self and Society Through Humanities)

White, Craig

1993

Title of Thesis/Project: “John Hawkes’ The Cannibal and the Gothic Tradition.” (20th Century Cultural & Literary Theory)

Wiik, Laura

1990

Title of Thesis/Project: (Art as Expression and Product)

Williamson, Gabi

2012

Title of Thesis/Project: “My Adventures in Graduate Admissions.” (Historical Studies/Literary Studies)

Where today? Gabi is the Certification Officer and Assistant to the Dean on the South Charleston campus.

What did you value about the program? “When people ask me in what area I am getting my M.A., their next question is invariably what will I do with a Humanities degree. My answer to that is anything my heart and mind desires to create: this is the gift of the Graduate Humanities Program, that if you can create it, it can be a reality. The field is wide open for those with backgrounds in liberal arts, and with diverse life experiences such as mine.”

Wilson, David

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Presence and Absence: Homosexuality in Irish Literature.” (Literary Studies)

Wilson, Michael

1999

Title of Thesis/Project: “Biography of Cleveland Bailey.” (Historical & Cultural Studies)

Where today? (Online search, 2012)  In 2008 Michael was Senior Historian and Historical Services Unit Leader for the West Virginia Department of Transportation.)

Wood, Christopher

1998

Title of Thesis/Program: “Transforming Emotion and Evil from Page to Stage: The Plays of William Trevor.” (Creativity and Writing)

Yeager, George

1992

Title of Thesis/Project: “Patterns of Virtue: A Search for Moral Virtue in Business.” (History and Application of Philosophy)

Young, Carol

1987

Title of Thesis/Project: (Communications and Humanities)

Zappin, Craig

2003

Title of Thesis/Project: “Confronting Appalachia Myths on Film.” (Cultural Studies)