Prepare Yourself for Nearly Any Career by Exploring the World of Language
Princeton Review’s list of the top ten college majors includes English, and for good reason. English is one of the most versatile majors you can choose, and will prepare you for hundreds of future career paths.
Through our English program, you'll learn about the power of storytelling. The stories we tell, how we tell them, and why we tell them says much about a society and a culture. Develop a deep understanding of the importance of storytelling through a Keuka College English major, and graduate with a door-opening degree.
Customize Your English Degree
Real-world, hands-on experience is an important part of your English degree.
The Keuka College Field Period® gives you the chance to have four separate English internships, starting your freshman year.
Program Overview
English Major
The focus of the English degree at Keuka College is the value of English within the wider world. You will read the greatest authors in the world, but also think critically about how this can be applied outside the classroom.
You will study the power of language and literature as a means of understanding our world and making things happen. Stories shape our understanding of ourselves and the world in which we live. The English program emphasizes literature and writing in order to cultivate an appreciation for and capacity in both verbal and written expression. The study of English exposes us to a wide range of human experiences and allows students to express their own stories with clarity and creativity. You’ll also have the opportunity to study the intersection of literature with other mediums, such as film.
With a strong foundation in language and literature, you’ll be well prepared for a broad range of careers. Your B.A. in English will be valued in any position in which writing skills, clear communication, creative thinking, interpretation, and adaptation are essential to performing well in a rapidly-changing workforce.
The English major offers additional opportunities in creative writing, writing and communication, business, marketing, management, digital liberal arts, literature and design, American studies, literature and the arts, trans-American studies, and much more.
English Minor
In today's world, we are reading and analyzing text constantly throughout the day. The English minor pairs well with any major, preparing you with extraordinary verbal and written, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
Learn More About the English Program
The English faculty consists of some of the most passionate professors you will ever meet. Their deep love for writing and literature can be felt in every class, and you’ll leave classes feeling energized and inspired. They are supremely well-qualified, and have a high output of research and other published work.
Catherine Agar
Writing Center Director
Academic Credentials
- University of Rochester
- M.A. in English
- St John Fisher College
- B.A. in English
Biography
Catherine Agar has been at Keuka College since 2012, when she worked as a writing specialist in the Adult and Online Education program. She has a BA in English with a minor in religious studies from St. John Fisher College and a MA in English from the University of Rochester, where her master’s thesis was about auditory reception in English poet John Milton’s Paradise Lost. She was a nontraditional, first generation student who earned her BA and MA as an adult with three children, so she has a special place in her heart for students who come to college and find themselves confused by the expectations and/or overwhelmed by the responsibilities. Catherine’s passion is to help students over the bumps in their road to success.
Dr. Marla Broetz
Assistant Professor of ASL - English Interpreting
Academic Credentials
- Capella University
- Ed.D. in Educational Leadership & Management
- Lewis & Clark College
- M.A. in Education
- Gallaudet University
- B.A. in Social Work
Dr. Robert Darling
Professor of English
Academic Credentials
- University of Rhode Island
- Ph.D.
- Syracuse University
- M.A.
- Elmira College
- B.A.
Dr. Bradley Fuster
Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs
Professor of Music
Academic Credentials
- University of Southern California
- D.M.A. in Percussion Performance
- Yale University
- M.M.
- SUNY Geneseo
- B.A.
Megan Granata
Administrative Assistant
Academic Credentials
- Southern Connecticut State University
- M.S.
- University of Delaware
- B.A.
Dr. Alexis Haynes
Associate Professor of English
Academic Credentials
- University of Oxford
- D.Phil.
- University of Oxford
- M.St.
- University of Oxford
- B.A.
Dr. Jennie Joiner
Division Chair
Professor of English
Academic Credentials
- University of Kansas
- Ph.D.
- University of Oregon
- M.A.
- Georgia State University
- B.A.
Dr. Steven Kapica
Assistant Professor of English
Academic Credentials
- Northeastern University
- Ph.D.
- Appalachian State University
- M.A.
- Appalachian State University
- B.A.
Sharon Kocher
Associate Professor of American Sign Language
Academic Credentials
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- M.S.
- Gallaudet University
- B.A.
Geoffrey Lee
Writing Specialist and Writing Support Coordinator
Adjunct Instructor
Academic Credentials
- Clemson University
- M.A. in English
- St Bonaventure University
- B.A. in English
Biography
I'm Geoff Lee, Writing Specialist and AOE Writing Support Coordinator. I've been at Keuka since the fall of 2011, teaching writing and coaching students on their writing. In my time here I've seen so many students take great strides with their writing. It's an exciting process to watch and participate in, and I look forward to lending you a hand as you take that journey yourself.
Meghan Lewis
Visiting Assistant Professor of Communication Studies
Academic Credentials
- College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
- M.F.A.
- Saunders College of Business at Rochester Institute of Technology
- M.S.
- College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology
- B.F.A.
Dr. Mike McKenzie
Associate Professor of Philosophy & Religion
Academic Credentials
- University of Southern California
- Ph.D.
- Westminster Theological Seminary
- M.A.R.
- University of Southern California
- M.A.
- Trinity International University
- M.A.
- Central Washington University
- B.A.
Biography
After obtaining a B.A. in criminal justice, Dr. McKenzie’s educational path turned toward comparative religion, and after graduating from Westminster Theological Seminary he obtained a M.A. and Ph.D. in religious studies and social ethics from the University of Southern California. At USC, he was selected to be a teaching assistant in the prestigious honors program, and according to department rumors he was also the only doctoral student to complete his Ph.D. in four years.
His academic interests remain centered around ethics, philosophy, and religion, the three subject areas he covers at Keuka College. Besides authoring over thirty articles and book chapters, many on religion’s influence in New York’s “Burned-over District,” Dr. McKenzie is putting the finishing touches on his latest book: the experiences of the Methodist Church in the Pacific Northwest. This book breaks new ground and explains how the Northwest’s unique geography helped stymie what was then the largest and most powerful religion in the United States.
Dr. McKenzie is one of the most popular professors at Keuka, a fact he attributes to the fact that he empathizes with students. “I well remember the challenges I faced in college, so I understand some of what they’re going through.”
Although Mike is from the Pacific Northwest, he finds a lot of similarities between Yates County and where he grew up. “There were orchards and vineyards everywhere in the Yakima Valley, and it’s nice to see so many of those around here,” he says. Mike has taught at Keuka College since 1999.
Professional Interests
Ethics (theoretical and applied), comparative religions, North American religions, growth of modern religions
Melissa Newcomb
Associate Professor of Art
Academic Credentials
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- M.F.A.
- SUNY Oswego
- M.A.
- SUNY Oswego
- B.F.A.
Biography
Melissa Newcomb is a professor and leader of the Art and Design program at Keuka College, where she teaches painting, drawing, mixed media, photography, and design. Also at the college, she coordinates exhibits in the Lightner Art Gallery and leads an advisory board composed of local professionals and artists in support of the program, student growth, and experiential learning.
Melissa received her Master of Fine Arts Degree in painting from the Rochester Institute of Technology in 2007; a Master of Arts Degree in photography and Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree from the State University of Oswego. Melissa also attended Finger Lakes Community College where she graduated with an Associate’s Degree in Fine Art. Melissa currently lives in Farmington, NY. She is highly involved with the arts and the community and was one of five artists that participated with a Mural on Coach Street (located on the side of Crown jewelers) in downtown Canandaigua. She also has worked displayed at the UR Medicine Breast Imaging and Birthing Center at F.F Thompson Hospital.
Melissa is very passionate about the arts and enjoys sharing her knowledge and experience with others. She also finds pleasure in traveling, baking, learning new things, spending time with family, shopping, coffee, and the change of seasons. Much of her inspiration comes from her students or when she is exploring new places with her camera or sketchbook.
Catherine Reed
Writing Specialist
Adjunct Instructor of English
Academic Credentials
- SUNY Geneseo
- M.S. in Education (Literacy)
- SUNY Fredonia
- B.A. in English
- SUNY Fredonia
- B.A. in Music Performance
Biography
I’m Cathy Reed, Writing Specialist and instructor for the HFA department at Keuka College. I enjoy teaching and learning from KCSI students, international students, and graduate students in addition to traditional students. I am proud to have been a part of this beautiful place on the lake since 2014. Please visit me in the Writing Center!
Dr. Malia Spofford Xavier
Associate Professor of Spanish
Academic Credentials
- Cornell University
- Ph.D.
- Cornell University
- M.A.
- Cornell University
- B.A.
Contact Information
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