“I think the word that best describes my experience at ETAMU is Joy; the camaraderie as we learned and taught and shared our lives.”
Terry L. Nugent Ph.D. Assistant Professor of English
- Alum
Terry Nugent came to ETAMU as a non-traditional undergraduate student with the apprehension that comes from being out of the classroom for a while. But that didn't hold him back and he went on to graduate with his Bachelors, Masters, and PhD. As a student he not only thrived in the classroom but became a leader and mentor to his peers as they navigated both coursework and teaching. He continues to lead by example in his current role as Assistant Professor of English at the University of Arkansas at Monticello where on top of his teaching duties he is faculty sponsor of Sigma Tau Delta (The English honors society) working to develop a Masters of English that will prepare the next generation of English educators.
A Conversation with Dr. Terry Nugent
Tell us about an influential class you took at East Texas A&M.
“Hmm, all my classes pushed me and continue to inform my pedagogy. However, I think the most life changing class I took was in my first semester as a newly admitted non-traditional student who was quite rusty academically. That class was Dr. Stewart's Children's Literature course. Dr. Stewart made visible the depth of literary studies and challenged me to think in new ways, thus beginning my journey towards earning my Ph.D. It should also be noted that out of that class, three of us went on to earn graduate degrees and a fourth is an excellent public education instructor. “
What do you like most about your career or current job?
“When I considered the type of institution I wanted to work at, I envisioned a position in a small system. Here at UAM, I have been able to build relationships throughout the campus and at all levels. Additionally, small institutions often allow new professionals more opportunities to make a difference. Here at UAM, I've been fundamentally involved in developing a Masters in English program, transitioning our department from a remedial English model to a co-requisite model, creating a university wide academic success course, while also leading the development and publication of in-house texts for both composition and academic success courses.”
Tell us about a memory of your time at Texas A&M-Commerce.
“There are far too many precious memories to recount, nevertheless, in my time at ETAMU I formed lifelong friendships with peers and faculty. I think the word that best describes my experience at ETAMU is Joy; the camaraderie as we learned and taught and shared our lives.”
Educational Background
- Ph.D., English – Composition and Rhetoric, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2017
- MA, English, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2014
- BA, English, Texas A&M University-Commerce(now East Texas A&M University), 2012
Professional Memberships
- South Central MLA
- Sigma Tau Delta English Honors Society – Faculty Sponsor
- Friends of the Library Board – Monticello Branch Public Library – President
- Southeast Arkansas Concert Association (SEARK) – Board member