The Year of Jeffrey Leak — The Chinese New Year is celebrated today. This February is also special because it has 29 days, which means that this is Leap Year. For those of us in the English Department, however, the Chinese New Year and Leap Year are overshadowed by the Year of Jeffrey Leak.
This is a special year for Jeffrey. Not only is he serving as the Faculty President this year, but he is also representing the English Department in this year’s Personally Speaking Series. Co-sponsored by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences and J. Murrey Atkins Library, the Personally Speaking Series features CLAS authors who recently published books. Jeffrey will be delivering a presentation about his book Visible Man: The Life of Henry Dumas. The event will take place at UNC Charlotte Center City on Tuesday, February 16, at 6:30 pm. The event is free but reservations are requested. To RSVP, please click on the following link: http://clas.uncc.edu/engagement/personally-speaking/visible-man
Susan Gardner’s Big Move — As most of you know, Susan Gardner retired from the English Department several years ago, but she has been teaching as an adjunct faculty member for the English Department and the American Studies Program since her retirement. However, Susan is about to make a big change in her life. This Friday she will move to a retirement community in New Hampshire. I know that I speak on behalf of the English Department in wishing her all the best as she relocates to New Hampshire.
Kudos— As you know, I like to use my Monday Missives to share news about recent accomplishments by members of our department. Here is the latest news:
Sarah Minslow is being honored today at a university-wide reception to recognize the faculty and staff who received the most nominations for making “the most significant, positive contribution to their education.” Sarah was nominated by 19 students.
Jen Munroe was named the English Graduate Student Association’s Professor of the Year. This award recognizes an English professor who does an excellent job of teaching and mentoring graduate students. The winner is selected by our own graduate students. Jen was presented this award at the 16th Annual EGSA Conference, which took place on February 5, 2016.
Upcoming Events and Deadlines— Here is a date to keep in mind:
February 16 — The UNC Charlotte Faculty and Staff production, “Tales From Down There” featuring the work of Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues & A Memory, Monologue, Rant & Prayer, will be presented on Tuesday, February 16 at 7pm in McKnight Hall, Cone Center. The performers include Angie Williams, Janaka Lewis, and Tiffany Morin from the English Department as well as Alison Walsh, honorary English Department member.
Quirky Quiz Question — There is always an animal associated with the Chinese New Year. These animals are tied to the Chinese Zodiac. What animal is associated with this Chinese New Year?
Last week’s answer: Julian Mason
Dr. Mary Harper was not the only member of the English Department to focus on African American literature during the department’s early years. Another faculty member from this time period became well known for editing The Poems of Phillis Wheatley. Can you name this former faculty member?