Alumni Stories

Just a note—we are actively building this page, so expect more content here during 2026. 

Here in English, we are so proud of our amazing students and alumni. On this page and our honors page you can find out more about our students and their successes after graduating with their English degrees.

Amelia Hirsch, Creative Writing, Rhetoric and Writing, and Honors Grad

"After changing my major four times, I officially graduated with a B.A. in English, where I double majored in Creative Writing and Rhetoric & Writing Studies with a minor in Theatre. During my time in the English program, I wrote essays, memoirs, and short stories until my eyes burned and my hands ached. I was Editor-in-Chief of The Diamond Line, hired by authors to developmentally edit their short stories, and published original poetry, including a chapbook for my honors senior thesis. I read Renaissance literature, and studied abroad to dissect Shakespeare. The courses in the English program challenged my understanding of the world around me and strengthened my authorial voice. I was challenged as a writer and a student, and I learned more about myself in the English program than I ever had before."

"Dr. Pope, Dr. McIntyre, Dr. Hinrichsen, Dr. Marren, and Dr. Davis all genuinely changed my life, and I wouldn't be on the path I am without them. Although my career path is niche, Dr. Pope and Dr. McIntyre went above and beyond to assist me in finding opportunities that aligned with my career goals. With their guidance, I had the opportunity to work with authors outside of class, secured a publishing internship with Sley House Publishing, and was accepted into the Los Angeles Review of Books Fellowship. I am so thankful for the English program and all the professors who helped guide me towards the dreams I thought were unreachable."

"Currently, I am working as Podcast Correspondent and Associate Editor with Sley House Publishing, interviewing authors about their work for the podcast, Sley House Presents. Additionally, I am working as Volunteer and Community Partnership Coordinator for the City of Oxford, working closely with non-profits in the area and assisting the community of Lafayette County and Oxford, Mississippi. In my free time, I make book content on social media as well as read acquisitions for a literary agent."

Eva Weege, Minor in Rhetoric and Writing Studies

"While I obtained my B. A. at the University of Arkansas, I found that the classes I took to complete my Rhetoric and Writing Studies minor as well as my English minor were some of the most influential moments of my education. While I was obtaining my degree, I worked on The Diamond Line as a Managing Editor and later co-founded The Anthropocene from the Hill, an anthology that showcased UARK student and alumni work. I worked closely with Dr. Pope and Professor Larson throughout most of my time in college and they helped me tremendously. From teaching me how to design these projects within Adobe Creative Suite, creating a literary work from scratch, to seeing a physical copy in my hands, these professors were there for every step and showed a tremendous amount of support throughout the whole process."

"Overall, this formed my desire to work in the field of publishing. The classes I took and the projects I worked on aided my understanding of the professional work setting and how I can implement my skills into my career. "

"Now working as a Publicist and Editor at Sley House Publishing, I find that I utilize so many of the skills that I learned from college. From writing press releases, editing upcoming novels, to doing PR work, I have valued my time within the English program and am grateful for the experiences I have gained over the course of my degree."