By Nylah Winchester, junior English major and Annalynn Mueller, senior English major
Nylah Winchester, the incoming English program blogger interviews Annalynn Mueller, the current blogger about her time as an English major and her experience blogging over the past two years. Annalynn then introduces Nylah and welcomes her into the role of blogging.
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/05/Allie-Sipe-17-Housing-Attorney-in-Legal-Aid-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2025-05-22 14:41:062025-05-22 14:41:06Allie Sipe ’17, Housing Attorney in Legal Aid
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/04/Brystan-Strong-13-Programs-Coordinator-for-Jackson-County-Library-Services-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2025-04-29 10:56:522025-04-29 10:56:52Brystan Strong ‘13, Programs Coordinator for Jackson County Library Services
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/03/The-Adventure-of-Writing-A-Look-into-Holly-Searcys-Author-Journey-Read.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2025-03-17 09:43:322025-03-19 16:35:19The Adventure of Writing: A Look into Holly Searcy’s Author Journey
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/02/SOU-English-major-Student-Attends-the-NYC-Colleges-and-Communities-Advocacy-Institute-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2025-02-26 10:00:562025-03-18 12:02:48SOU English and Sociology & Anthropology Majors Attend the NYC Colleges and Communities Advocacy Institute
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/01/SOU-Advice-and-Inspiration-from-ELA-Experts-Teachers-Conference-at-Southern-Oregon-University-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2025-01-29 11:58:312025-02-07 09:04:18Advice and Inspiration from ELA Experts: SOU English Program Panel Presentation
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2025/01/SOU-Literacy-and-Leadership-in-the-Outdoors-ARC-Students-gathered-together-to-learn-at-Southern-Oregon-University-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2025-01-08 10:49:182025-01-13 13:26:24Literacy and Leadership in the Outdoors: Reflections from Time Spent with Adventure Risk Challenge
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/12/Cultivating-Curiosity-Through-AI-Learn-More-1.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2024-12-02 10:02:512024-12-02 11:16:36Cultivating Curiosity Through AI: from ENG/PHL 399 to the OCTE Conference
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.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/11/Carly-Swisher-Teaching-Internationally-China-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2024-11-04 10:56:312024-11-04 10:56:31Carly Swisher ’14, Teaching Internationally in China
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/10/Welcome-to-the-24-25-School-Year-Central-Hall-At-Southern-Oregon-University-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2024-10-10 09:28:212024-10-10 09:30:10Welcome to the 2024-2025 School Year
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.
SOU English Major Hannah Darling Fenn has worked as an accomplished freelance and poetry writer for 10 plus years. She shared her story, wisdom on navigating the freelance/news world, and tips on how to balance creative and technical writing.
Dr. Kelly Singleton, 2008 SOU English program graduate, shares her wide variety of experiences in education. She shows how one can adapt in education as well as her own personal resilience, drive, and compassion.
https://sou.edu/academics/wp-content/uploads/sites/14/2024/04/Exploring-the-Versatility-of-Education-with-Dr-Kelly-Singleton-Learn-More.jpg4321024wulfl/wp-content/uploads/2016/06/Southern-Oregon-University.pngwulfl2024-04-16 09:39:582024-04-16 11:02:15Exploring the Versatility of Education with Dr. Kelly Singleton
Get notified when new English stories are published!
Farewell, Annalynn! Hello, Nylah!
/in English, FeaturedBy Nylah Winchester, junior English major and Annalynn Mueller, senior English major
Nylah Winchester, the incoming English program blogger interviews Annalynn Mueller, the current blogger about her time as an English major and her experience blogging over the past two years. Annalynn then introduces Nylah and welcomes her into the role of blogging.
Allie Sipe ’17, Housing Attorney in Legal Aid
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, Featured, Sociology & AnthropologyBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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
/in English, FeaturedBy 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.
Hannah Darling Fenn: A Writer’s Journey
/in English, FeaturedBy Annalynn Mueller, English Major
SOU English Major Hannah Darling Fenn has worked as an accomplished freelance and poetry writer for 10 plus years. She shared her story, wisdom on navigating the freelance/news world, and tips on how to balance creative and technical writing.
Exploring the Versatility of Education with Dr. Kelly Singleton
/in English, FeaturedBy Annalynn Mueller, English Major
Dr. Kelly Singleton, 2008 SOU English program graduate, shares her wide variety of experiences in education. She shows how one can adapt in education as well as her own personal resilience, drive, and compassion.