Student and Graduates of English Testimonials
Current Student:
I find it hard to believe that it has been two and a half years since I graduated and chose to
continue my education with the Department of Languages and Literature at Nicholls State
University. I chose Nicholls State because I knew that this university would not only provide me
with an education, but it would also provide me with a feeling of community and support. The
Department of Languages and Literature has provided many opportunities to me that would
not have been possible at larger programs. The English program gives me the opportunity to
not only take classic literature classes, but also an array of interesting special topics classes.
These courses challenge me academically, and, in my opinion, have well prepared me for
graduate school.
In addition to a set of rigorous courses, the Department of Languages and Literature has
offered me many extracurricular activities. As the President of the English Society and Chief
Student Editor of Mosaic, I have been able to have a larger voice in how the department
evolves. In my time as an English major, the Department of Languages and Literature has
grown by leaps and bounds! Under the leadership of Dr. Barker and the influence of the new,
diverse faculty, the Department has become one of the best programs in the state of Louisiana.
I am extremely proud of my major, and I know that because of the individual attention and
personal touch that I have received in my undergrad that I will have the tools to succeed in the
profession.
Gavin Johnson, English major; English Society President; Chief Student Editor, Mosaic; Who’s
Who; Writing Consultant; Director of Student Rights and Grievances for Nicholls State
University
Graduating Seniors:
I am a graduating senior of English, and being a part of the College of Arts and Sciences at
Nicholls State University has been a pleasure and an honor. In my experiences, the faculty is
kind and always willing to help. The professors of the English Department are diverse,
respectable, fair and accommodating. They have taught me new methods of questioning,
researching, organizing and achieving. My time as a student of the college of Arts and Sciences
has been challenging and illuminating. I became an English major to improve my critical
thinking, analysis, and writing skills, and I am confident that I have accomplished just that. But
more than just my want to improve tangible skills drove me to become an English major. I
wanted to learn more about myself, the world and my fellow human beings. And I believe that
I have not only accomplished that too, but that I have fostered skills and beliefs that will assist
me in furthering my knowledge outside of the academic arena.
Amanda Voisin
Being an English major at Nicholls has been one of the greatest choices I have made throughout my life.
I have had wonderful professors that have not only had an influence on my writing and reading skills but
have also shaped and influenced the person I have become. If I could give incoming freshmen advice
about their choice of major, I would definitely advise them to choose English because it has made me a
better writer, a better speaker, and a better person.
Misty McMillian
2011 Graduate:
I’ve never been away from my family, even at school. Nicholls State University’s Department of
Languages and Literature welcomed me from the day I attended my first English class, British
Literature I. My professors didn’t teach me in their classrooms; they fascinated and inspired
me, filling my mind and heart with a more fervent love for literature and the colorful ways we
humans express our understanding of living.
Celeste Roberts, former English major; Nicholls Hall of Fame; Outstanding Senior in English
and Tutoring; Who’s Who
2010 Graduate:
The Department of Language and Literature was—and still is—a home for me. I never planned
to become an English major, but I am sure glad I did. In the department, I met instructors,
mentors, and friends that have all in some way guided me or taught me something valuable.
We are always students, and we are always striving to learn something new. Each new book or
concept leads me closer to understanding a bit of myself. I would never have received my
Masters degree or become an Instructor of English without the Department of Language and
Literature, and I am proud to be an employee, alumnus, and continuing student of the
department.
Louie Charpentier, 2011 M. A. graduate in English, University of New Orleans, and newly
hired adjunct for Nicholls in English
2008 Graduate:
The Department of Languages and Literature at Nicholls State provided me with the confidence
and skills I need to succeed at the graduate and professional level, especially in terms of
analyzing information and asking good, thought-provoking questions. The professors still
influence me as I’m engaging in conversation about literature, writing, and the acts of learning
and teaching. The best part is that even after graduating, the professors still make themselves
available to offer helpful, sometimes humbling, advice and an understanding ear. The faculty
are amazing, as are the students. I have fond memories of participating in English Society
events and making lasting connections among some of the most intelligent people I’ve ever
met. Truly, I remember my time as part of the department as unique, memorable, lifechanging. My path as a student, learner, and teacher would not be the same had I not been a
part of the department.
Angel Theriot, M. A. candidate, Kansas State University
Other Graduates:
I have had the good fortune of being in the right place at the right time on several occasions.
My experience with the Languages and Literature department at Nicholls is one such example.
The stars seemed to align with the perfect faculty members matched with the right students to
create a magical time for us all. The experience we shared created a network of colleagues and
a skill set that has carried me to this day. From my work with the United Nations to the
development of small grassroots organizations, my liberal arts education at Nicholls has served
as the foundation for my accomplishments.
Jonathan Foret, MPA in Non-profit Leadership, University of New Orleans; former Peace
Corps Volunteer, Tonga; 2010 Nicholls State University’s Alumni Awards Recipient
As an undergraduate, the Department of Languages and Literature literally meant the world to
me. My professors took me out of the bland classrooms of Peliter and opened my mind to the
possibilities of language and ideas. The helped me see myself and my world in a much larger
context. They showed me that by opening the pages of a book and reading the words, I could
be transported to a field of daffodils, on the bow of a whaling ship, or at the side of Odysseus. I
think I am a better student of humanity due to the guidance and instruction I received.
Dr. Michele Theriot, Associate Professor of English, Nicholls; Assistant to the Department
Chair and Undergraduate Coordinator; Ph. D., University of Louisiana
Being a graduate of the Nicholls English program opened the door to many opportunities for
me. The degree gave me a strong foundation in critical thinking and writing, skills with broad
application. I found myself well-prepared for graduate school and went on to work in career
positions as varied as web designer, web research coordinator, information technology
consultant, documentation manager, project manager, and finally associate professor. My
professors at Nicholls were inspiring and highly involved in my preparation both in and out of
the classroom. My experience was a solid liberal arts education with a truly personal touch.
Dr. Windy Rachal, Associate Professor of English, Nicholls; Writing Program Administrator;
Ph. D., Ball State University
A few things have changed since I walked the Nicholls campus in the late 1960’s: the oaks surrender
more shade, the azaleas brag a bit more. But for English majors and other lovers of books and words,
nothing has really changed. I published my first writing in a literary journal called Mosaic. That journal is
still being published, thanks to student generosity in the form of fees and editing duties. I received
personal attention from my English instructors, one of whom left a well-earned sabbatical to have
conversations with me in his office in Peltier Hall. The names on the offices may be different now—for
me Delaune, Quertermous, Swetman— but those conversations can still be heard in the offices of
Peltier Hall. When I got to graduate school at Colorado State University, the fine reputation of the
Nicholls English department was well-established. That reputation, as those of you applying for graduate
school will soon find out, is still out there, paving your way. To those of you who are wondering what
the designation “English major” or “English minor” can do for you in this an-education-is-only-useful-ifit-gets-you-a-job world, remember this: We English majors rule that world from the background. Ask any
lawyer, teacher, or civil servant. We are never more attractive as when the word English alluringly smiles
from our transcripts. Remember this, also: My education in the English department at Nicholls gave me
more, much more, than a salary. It gave me a way of life.
Albert Davis, Ph.D.
Dean of University College
Alcée Fortier Distinguished Professor
Distinguished Service Professor of Languages and Literature
Novelist in Residence