I write about collective traumas that impact the black community inside and outside of literary texts because, many times, these stories are hardly ever told or are quickly forgotten. My work sheds light on black women’s experiences and considers ways African American literature intersects with aspects of trauma and healing.
Apryl Lewis, PhD English Instructor
- Alum
Apryl Lewis (she/her/hers) is a doctoral candidate in English at Texas Tech University in the areas of African American literature, trauma studies, and cultural studies. She has a publication forthcoming in Women, Gender, and Families of Color, a publication in Sport in American History, and a co-authored publication in Spark: A 4C4Equality Journal. Apryl completed her B.A. in English at Texas Tech and her M.A. in English at East Texas A&M University.
A Conversation with Dr. Apryl Lewis
Tell us about your career.
I am a full-time English Instructor at Fresno City College in Fresno, CA. I teach first-year writing courses and African American literature. Along with my role as an English Instructor, I engage in various service roles on campus. I am also a writer. After the publication of my book manuscript, Black Feminism and Traumatic Legacies in Contemporary African American Literature, I found myself returning to my roots as a creative writer.
What do you like most about your career?
I can, and am frequently encouraged, to use my voice to further social changes on campus and in the community. There are so many ways to get involved and I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators!
Tell us about an influential professor or person on campus during your time at ETSU/East Texas A&M
I applied to ETAMU for the M.A. degree in English during a time in my life where I felt aimless. Despite my doubts about being a successful graduate student, the Literature & Languages department took a chance on me. Attending ETAMU became a positive turning point for my academic and personal goals. Dr. Kathryn Jacob's creative writing workshop was an influential course for me as a student. Through her guidance, I became more confident in my abilities as a creative writer, which translated to publications. Additionally, Dr. Jacobs saw potential in me as an educator, even when I faced adversity as a first-year instructor. Thanks to Dr. Jacobs and the mentorship I received from my classmates, Terry Nugent and Wesley English, for molding me into the scholar and educator I am today.
What was the last book you read?
The last book I read was Outlawed by Anna North. This is a feminist western and dystopian novel, which is outside of my usual genre of reading. This book tackles what happens when women are unable to bear children: being hanged as witches. The main character, after a year married and no pregnancy, is forced to leave her life behind for the sake of her own survival and joins a band of outlaw women.
Educational Background
- Ph.D., English, Texas Tech University, in progress
- MA, English, Texas A&M University-Commerce (now East Texas A&M University), 2015
- BA, English, Texas Tech University, 2013
Honors and Awards
- Bruce Family Memorial Scholarship, Texas Tech University, 2020.
- William Bryan Gates Graduate Award in English, Texas Tech University, 2019-2020
- Bruce Family Memorial Scholarship, Texas Tech University, 2016
- Helen DeVitt Jones Graduate Fellowship, Texas Tech University, Fall 2016.
Research Interests
- African American Literature,
- Trauma Studies
- Cultural Studies