Allie Sipe ’17, Housing Attorney in Legal Aid

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

Allie Sipe, a 2017 graduate of SOU’s English program, now works as a housing attorney in a legal aid organization. She shares her experience at SOU, prior work experience, and how she impacts her community through her work.

Brystan Strong ‘13, Programs Coordinator for Jackson County Library Services

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

SOU English program alum, Brystan Strong now works as Programs Coordinator for Jackson County Library Services. She shares her insights about her job, about librarianship in general, and advice on how readers can support their local libraries.

The Adventure of Writing: A Look into Holly Searcy’s Author Journey

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

Holly Searcy, 2009 English and Creative Writing Major, has always loved to read and recently harnessed that passion into becoming a fantasy author. She shares her path, process, hopes for readers, and advice for aspiring authors.

SOU English and Sociology & Anthropology Majors Attend the NYC Colleges and Communities Advocacy Institute

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

SOU English major Connor Babbitt recently had the opportunity to attend the American Civil Liberties Union Conference with Sociology and Anthropology major Ally Grommes. Connor and Ally learned about how to engage in social-justice advocacy. They share their insight from the conference and give advice to people wanting to get involved in advocacy work.

Advice and Inspiration from ELA Experts: SOU English Program Panel Presentation

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

In December 2024, the SOU English program invited educators from across the valley to share their experiences teaching English language arts across grade levels. Through sharing their experiences and insight, they inspired students, faculty, and community members.

Literacy and Leadership in the Outdoors: Reflections from Time Spent with Adventure Risk Challenge

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

This past summer, I had the opportunity to volunteer with Adventure Risk Challenge (ARC), a youth-development organization based in the Sierra mountain range, that teaches literacy alongside leadership and outdoor education. I got connected with ARC through SOU English professor Dr. Merrilyne Lundahl, who has been working closely with ARC for 9 years. Since her start with ARC, Merrilyne has been researching for the organization and is currently focusing on the impacts ARC has on students and staff that participate in the program.

Cultivating Curiosity Through AI: from ENG/PHL 399 to the OCTE Conference

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

This past month, I had the privilege of presenting at The Oregon Council of Teachers of English (OCTE) Conference: Igniting Curiosity & Cultivating Literacy for All, alongside Dr. Margaret Perrow and my project partner and senior English major Molly McGinley. Margaret asked Molly and me to share our final presentation from a class she co-taught with Dr. Prakash Chenjeri taught in the spring, ENG/PHL 399: AI, Philosophy, & Writing.

Carly Swisher ’14, Teaching Internationally in China

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

Carly Swisher, a SOU 2014 English program graduate, works at an international school in southern China teaching English language and literature classes. She shares her experiences, insights, and advice on teaching and living abroad.

Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

The English program at SOU is thrilled to be back on campus and connecting with students, staff, faculty, and blog readers!

Levi Coren ‘22, Copyeditor for Blackstone Publishing

By Annalynn Mueller, English Major

Levi Coren, 2022 SOU English program graduate, now works locally for Blackstone Publishing as a print book editor. In a relatively short amount of time, Levi has demonstrated an immense talent for editing, as well as an appreciation for the work of copyediting. He shares his personal and professional journey, what being a copyeditor entails, and resources for those looking for a similar career.