MSU English Alumni Stories

MSU English Alumni Stories

Emma Avery Quote

Education is the absolute best investment a person can make for themselves. I get to be a part of that for others, which is amazing.

Emma Avery

English Teacher

Oliver Coleman Quote

The main skills that I utilize from my time as an English major include adaptive communication, cultural competence, critical thinking, and reflection.

Oliver Coleman

Youth Leadership Development (YLD) Volunteer in Panama

Michael Bourgeois Quote

Being an English major at MSU made me a better writer, and that is a skill that is applicable regardless of career field.

Michael Bourgeois

Coordinator for Student Conduct

Leigh-Ann Sallis Quote

Reading is power, and each book I give away could change somebody’s life. I truly believe words are power. I have always loved words and books and, personally, I go home and feel like I am helping people.

Leigh-Ann Sallis

Community Literacy Specialist

Erin Cain Quote

One of the biggest misconceptions is that many people automatically assume English majors are going to be teachers. While it is a common and noble path, and it is the one I ended up taking, teaching is not for everyone. If your passion lies elsewhere, that is okay. Somewhere out there is a job that fits you.

Erin Cain

Dual Credit English Teacher

Ellice Yager Quote

Personally, it is so rewarding to help our students. If I am able to help just one student on any given day, I go home feeling like I accomplished something important that day.

Ellice Yager

Library Director

Hayley Pounds Quote

Ever since my first experience of traveling abroad, I have always wanted a career that puts me in contact with people from a variety of backgrounds. This mindset led me to Peace Corps and ultimately to the position that I’m in now.

Hayley Pounds

International Student Advisor

Christopher Ellzey Quote

One of the biggest misconceptions I run into (seemingly constantly), is the assumption that in order to become a mental health professional one needs an undergraduate degree in the field of psychology or something comparable.

Christopher Ellzey

Licensed Professional Counselor

Carrie Mastley Quote

Sharing historical, one-of-a-kind materials with others is one of my greatest joys. To see the excitement in a student or researcher’s eyes when they find materials related to their research interests never gets old!

Carrie Mastley

Assistant Professor and Curator of Material Culture

Shun Pounds Quote

I’ve always wanted to write for a living, and now, I get exposure to a professional writing setting with a built-in career path. Instead of just being a writer, I can learn more about multiple aspects of communication and public affairs. I can learn about publication and project management. The possibilities are vast now.

Shun Pounds

Communications Specialist

Oline Eaton Quote

The feelings when Finding Jackie: A Life Reinvented—which is my first book and came out of my doctoral work at King’s—was published in early 2023 aren’t possible to explain, but I can say truthfully that being in the English department at Mississippi State was a significant part of the long journey towards that moment.

Oline Eaton

Lecturer, First Year Writing Program

Lyndsi Naron Quote

Writers have power over people even if they don't want it. It is a lot of responsibility to make sure you do publish honest and interesting news and information.

Lyndsi Naron

Office Manager and Writer