Faculty
Gail Lavender
College Professor
Email:
glavende@nmsu.edu
Office Address:
NMSU Department of English
P.O. Box 30001, MSC 3E
Las Cruces, New Mexico 88003
Phone:
(575) 646-2247 (office)
(575) 646-7726
Fax:
(575) 646-7725
Education
- M.A. in English, Literature. Drake University—Des Moines, Iowa
- B.A. in English, Literature. Drake University—Des Moines, Iowa
Teaching Philosophy
My role as a teacher is to offer students the opportunity to look at the world from a “new” perspective. I focus on this general objective in writing and literature classes. Our world demands excellent critical thinkers, readers, and writers. I want my students to succeed with integrity and intelligence. I also want my students to see the beauty of the depth of literature, symbolism, and mythology. Finally, I am excited about the challenges of online teaching. I recently completed a intensive nine day training through the Institute for Technology Assisted Learning and look forward to applying these new teaching tools to my courses.
Recently Taught Courses
Honors College
- The Worlds of Arthur (Honors 234G)
- Research & Writing for the Honors Thesis (Honors 313)
English Department
- Critical Writing for the English Major (English 310)
- Mythology (English 392G)
- The Arthurian Tradition (English 390G)
- Children’s Literature (English 363G)
- Advanced Composition (English 311G)
- Writing in the Humanities (English 211G)
- Creative Nonfiction
- Memoir
Departmental Projects
Puerto del Sol
I have been involved with the literary magazine. Puerto del Sol, for many years. I was the Essay Editor from 1995 to 2004. Previously, I worked first as an associate editor, then as Co-editor with Dr. Christopher Burnham from 1988 to 1995. Creative Nonfiction is a primary interest, and I have dedicated many years to promote this exciting genre.
Outcomes Assessment Contribution
I’m currently on the English Department General Education Committee. This committee consistently works on Outcomes Assessment.
I was the leader of the Outcomes Assessment Team for the evaluation of Advanced Composition.
Committees
- College Faculty Promotion Committees (English Department and other Departments in the College of Arts & Sciences)
- General Education Committee
- Honors College Steering Committee
- Honors Faculty Council
- Undergraduate Studies Committee
- Interest Group Committees
- Textbook Committees
Creative Interests
- Creative Nonfiction—reader & writer
- Greek Mythology & Comparative Mythology
- I am always fascinated with the infinite ways humans construct meaning!
Awards/Honors
Donald C. Roush Award for Teaching Excellence for the College of Arts & Sciences
Arts & Sciences Award for 15 Years of Service
Honorary Member of Phi Eta Sigma National Honors Society
Former Essay Editor of Puerto del Sol
Teaching Statement/Emphasis
My role as a teacher is to facilitate and guide students to achieve the critical reading, writing, and thinking skills necessary for our increasingly complex world.
Research or Creative Interests
I am intrigued by the infinite ways humans construct meaning, particularly in mythology, folktales, and fairytales. These archetypes, symbols, folktale motifs, and themes often thread throughout cultural artifacts, such as fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, poetry, and film. My teaching and research reflect this particular emphasis.