Faculty

At work or at home, most people stay away from drama but Tracey Miller-Tomlinson takes it in with open arms. The associate professor of English is a specialist in Shakespeare and English drama.

Her classes cover Shakespeare’s poetry and drama, Restoration Comedy, Renaissance Poetry and Prose, early English Literature and The World of the Renaissance. She also teaches courses in Critical Writing and Successful Fellowship Writing.

Miller-Tomlinson believes that literature and art help people find meaning in their lives. "I try to help each student discover their relevance for himself or herself," she said.

To keep students engaged in what they are studying, Miller-Tomlinson said instructors have to be enthusiastic about what they are teaching.

"I have found that students respond to an instructor’s passion for a subject – it signals that the subject is worth studying; that it adds to one’s experience of life," she said. "I listen carefully to my students to discover the connections they are making and where they are struggling. Perhaps most importantly, I respect my students’ perspectives on the texts we read."

Igniting the passion for literature is only half of her job. Recently, Miller-Tomlinson was appointed associate dean of the Honors College and director of the Office of National Scholarships and International Education.

In these roles she helps high-achieving students reach their academic goals, and guides them through the process of identifying and applying for funding for their undergraduate research and graduate study abroad.