In the News:
"When I saw that my students won every single category, I was super thrilled. I am very, very happy for my students. It is a proud moment. As a teacher, for people to acknowledge, recognize, and appreciate the work that my students do, is the ultimate reward."
~ Dr. Pavithra Narayanan
Interested in more? Here are some examples of the student's work.
The Bachelor of Arts degree in English offers students the opportunity to develop a strong foundation in literary history and theory, cultural studies, creative writing, and professional and technical writing.
Our collective goal is to have English majors leave our program as engaged global citizens and proficient communicators who understand the power of language to shape their worlds and are prepared for active intellectual and public life in the twenty-first century. English studies at WSU offers students skills as critics and writers that will allow them to pursue advanced graduate work, if they choose, and to succeed in a variety of professions and occupations.
Two options for English majors are available at WSU Vancouver, the literary studies option and the teaching without certificate option. At WSU Vancouver, English majors can further enhance their major studies with course work from complementary programs in professional writing, digital technology and culture, women's studies, and social and environmental justice studies.
Both majors and minors in English are encouraged to participate in the
Undergraduate English Club, the literary magazine (Salmon Creek), and the
internship and tutoring experiences available though the WSU Vancouver
Writing Center and the Program in Technical and Professional Writing.
The department's commitment to small discussion courses and to independent
study provides unique opportunities for English majors to work closely with
faculty, especially in writing-intensive courses, senior seminars or
projects, and internships. All majors consult closely with faculty advisors
throughout their program of study, especially when selecting career options
and areas of concentration.
Desiree Hellegers, Ph.D.
Associate Chair
Department of English
Faculty in the Department
Academic Director: Amy Wharton, Ph.D.; Academic Coordinator: Teresa phimisterr, M.A.; Faculty: Howard Aaron, M.F.A.* Paul Casey, M.F.A.*; Ellen Franklin, M.A.*; Andrew Giarelli, Ph.D.*; John Morrison, M.F.A.*; Marie Naughton, M.A.*; Katherine Ricker, M.A.* Desiree Hellegers, Ph.D.; Wendy Johnson, Ph.D.;Thabiti Lewis, Ph.D.; David Menchaca, Ph.D.; Pavithra Narayanan, Ph.D.; Wendy Olson, Ph.D.; Kandy Robertson, Ph.D.; Carol Siegel, Ph.D; *Denotes adjunct status.
Department Support
Zaida O'Connor
Phone: (360) 546-9425
E-mail:
Office: VMMC102