English Department Faculty Honored by University and College for Outstanding Work

Every day Department of English faculty significantly impact the university through their hard work and dedication. And now, just weeks into 2018, the university has recognized two of our best and brightest. Congratulations to Professor Kirk Hazen, who was presented with one of WVU's 150th anniversary coins in recognition for his many achievements, and Professor Gwen Bergner, one of four recipient's of the Eberly College's 2017-18 Outstanding Teacher Award!

Kirk Hazen

Way to go, Kirk!

To mark WVU's 150th anniversary, Professor Hazen was presented with a Celebration Coin to recognize his representation of the core Mountaineer values of service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation. Only 150 coins are being presented to faculty and staff across the university, placing Professor Hazen in truly elite company.

In presenting Professor Hazen with the coin, Eberly College Dean Gregory Dunaway stated, "Service, curiosity, respect, accountability, and appreciation--these are the values that define us as one West Virginia University family, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive culture that advances education, healthcare, and prosperity for all. And we're proud to recognize our faculty and staff who exemplify these traits and further this mission. That's why we've created the 150 Celebration Coin, as a token of appreciation to those hardworking employees at all levels who go above and beyond to help make our University community a better place every day."

In the past year alone, Professor Hazen, who is also the director of the West Virginia Dialect Project, was in the news for his work on WVU Voices, a mini-documentary to celebrate the dialectical diversity that converges here in Appalachia, and received the 2017 Faculty Award for Distinction in Undergraduate Research Mentoring.

Gwen Bergner

Congratulations, Gwen!

It's no secret around the department that Professor Bergner is a model educator. Her work engages issues of race, gender, and inequality, and her classroom challenges students to think about how these issues span their daily lives and the world beyond. Professor Bergner's dedication to helping her students navigate complex topics and finding their voice and purpose inspires her students and colleagues alike and makes Outstanding Teacher sound like an understatement.   

"A truly great teacher will inspire introspection, creativity, discovery and innovation. (Bergner) has greatly enriched my analytical ability, as well as expanded my willingness to take risks and believe in myself," said Hannah Jack, an undergraduate student studying anthropology. "She has inspired me to explore authenticity and identity. Ultimately, these studies led me to switch my major from occupational therapy to sociology. Prior to her course, I did not have the courage to change to a 'risky' major. Without her influence, I am sure I would still be in a major that goes against my abilities and passions."

In addition to her work in the classroom, Professor Bergner has published in leading journals such as American Literary History, and recently became interim Associate Chair of the English department.