Welcome to the English Department
English forms the cornerstone of the humanities. In a variety of courses in literature, writing, and the English language, SHSU English students find a source of personal enrichment, and they develop verbal, analytical, and cultural skills readily adaptable to a variety of careers.
English students learn to write with grace and precision, to read and analyze texts with accuracy, to conduct research and organize a welter of materials, to speak and listen well-in short, to sharpen their critical thinking and critical inquiry skills. These skills are highly valued by prospective employers. When our graduates leave SHSU with a degree in English, they are prepared for career opportunities or advanced study in technical and professional communication, teaching, journalism, government service, editing, law, and business.
Clint Morrison
B.A. English, 2014 SHSU
Rhetoric Course Coordinator, OnRamps, The University of Texas at Austin
I just completed my doctorate in English at The Ohio State University, where I was also a Presidential Fellow (2022–2023). My dissertation project examined the rhetorical effects of dance descriptions in Middle English Romances. I am continuing this research but not through the traditional faculty route. The SHSU English faculty always encouraged me to pursue my research passions while also imagining creative futures for using the degree and serving the communities I cared most about.
My new job serves Texas Public High School instructors and students. OnRamps is a dual-enrollment program. As a Rhetoric Course Coordinator, I provide 1:1 instructional and professional development to ensure that the High School students enrolled in our OnRamps courses are given the tools needed to become successful university writers. This work is balanced with ensuring that their instructors have the necessary resources and support from the program.
Get creative with your degree experience. An English degree is so versatile that it often feels like the “choose your own adventure” curriculum. Enjoy the various opportunities to soak in everything the department has to offer from medieval poetry to technical writing. Take risks in your writing projects, experiment, and revel in learning.
Andrew Husband
M.A. English, 2009 SHSU
Writer and Editor, MIT Sloan School of Business
Develops, writes, and edits creative content for digital and print publication. This includes, but is not limited to, the alumni magazine, the official website, annual reports, newsletters, emails, social media updates, blog posts, and various other marketing publications for the Office of External Relations at the MIT Sloan School of Management.
He has been a full-time freelance writer since before taking this job with his work appearing in the Houston Chronicle, Voxx, Forbes, Trail Runner, Boston.com.
Kelsey Gunter
B.A. English, 2016 SHSU
I am the Marketing Coordinator for BAUER Equipment America, a distributor of super-specialized construction equipment. The job involves brand promotion, tradeshow execution, and international travel; the research, communication, and critical thinking skills I developed as an English major have helped me succeed in this field. The English program at SHSU is wonderful. The courses will stretch your worldview like a rubber band, while equipping you with the building blocks for a solid career post-graduation. English degrees are super versatile; however, the flip side to this is that people who find their area of specialization early have a competitive edge after graduation. Find out what you’re passionate about (editing, financing, law interpretation, creative writing, marketing, medicine, et cetera) and tailor your degree experience towards that field as much as possible. Choose projects and writing topics that will expand your knowledge of the field you hope to work in and use them to build a portfolio that you can share with potential employers.
As a final note: remember to enjoy your journey! There is nothing like college, and it goes by in a wink.
Brittany Glasscock
B.A. English, 2011 SHSU
Marketing Coordinator, SmartBug Media
I’m currently a marketing coordinator for a globally recognized inbound marketing agency, SmartBug Media. My time at SHSU taught me how to research, write, and publish content that is both informative and compelling. My advice is: get to know your professors and use this time to find your “why.”
Brittany received her B.A. in English in 2011. She was an active member of Sigma Tau Delta while a student.
She taught high school English for several years before beginning her career in SEO (search engine optimization) marketing.
Cody Half-Moon White
B.A. English, 2011 SHSU
CEO, Half-Moon Media, LLC
Major in something you love. Take your first year to find out what that is, and give yourself room to explore subjects that light up your face.
My SHSU degree in English was the impetus for a successful career in journalism and marketing. I learned how to think critically, defend or at times break down ideas, write intelligently, and find meaning in what others may have missed. I am forever grateful to Sam Houston and the faculty in the English Department for the wisdom they imparted to me in my formative years.
Cody has been nominated by the Houston Business Journal as one of their 2020 Women Who Mean Business.