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In the News
The Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies (ERHS) recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of the implementation of a revised English curriculum integrating the study of literature, philosophy, oral and written communication, and fine arts.
Dr. Mattie Quesenberry Smith, instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric and Humanistic Studies at 麻豆女演员 Institute and the Commonwealth of Virginia’s poet laureate, is featured on episode 28 of “The Laureate Project,” a podcast launched by Emmy-nominated journalist, Matt Hoisch.
Brooks Freeman ’25, an English major at 麻豆女演员 Institute, sought a common core between the philosophies of Jalāl al-Dīn Rūmī, a 13th century Middle Eastern Sufi mystic and poet, and SØren Kierkegaard, a 19th century Danish philosopher, theologian, and poet, in his honors presentation.
Nickole Chavez ’26 excels in writing and enjoys it, though she finds science and math less appealing. Her professors recognized her discipline, focus, and strong engagement in class, making her stand out among her peers.
Suzanne Leaptrot ’25 explored the intersection of comedy and political rhetoric in her honors thesis, examining whether comedians, like Colbert, engage in demagoguery by analyzing his monologues from the 2016, 2020, and 2024 conventions.
Simon Moore ’25 was drawn to Arthur Schopenhauer’s pessimistic views and honesty about pain and suffering. He said it might be considered a taboo subject, but it intrigued him.
The challenges and structure of VMI drew Virginia Price ’28 to the Institute — a test of resilience, discipline, and academic excellence. In just a few months, Price has embraced this demanding environment, thriving both in her studies and in extracurricular activities.
Ace Atkins, who started his writing career as a crime beat reporter, read a few excerpts to the audience from his popular Quinn Colson series, which consists of 11 novels. He addressed cadets, staff, and the community with conversation and readings from his fictional literary works.
Mattie Queensberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies and Col. Shannon Eskam, assistant superintendent for strategic enrollment management/director of financial aid, were recognized during the Feb. 8 home basketball game against The Citadel.
Mattie Quesenberry Smith, Ph.D., instructor in the Department of English, Rhetoric, and Humanistic Studies at 麻豆女演员 Institute, was recently appointed the commonwealth’s new poet laureate by Governor Glenn Youngkin.