Lynn K. Kilpatrick
Associate
Professor
English
School of
Humanities
What she teaches:
English 1010:
Intro to Writing; English 2010: Intermediate Writing; Creative Writing courses:
2250: Intro to CW; 2270: Intro to Fiction Writing; 2280: Creative Nonfiction; 2290:
Novel Writing; 2600: Critical Intro to Literature; 2700: Critical Theory
Number of years teaching at SLCC:
13 years (since
fall of 2005)
Undergraduate:
University of
Oregon
Master’s:
Western Washington
University (in Poetry)
Doctorate:
University of
Utah, in Creative Writing/Fiction
Greatest professional challenge:
For me, it’s choosing where and how to focus my energy.
There are so many things happening and it’s tempting to dive in to everything.
I’ve learned to choose my projects so that I can put the appropriate amount of
energy in and be successful. Also, balancing my work with my personal goals for
writing and exercise.
Greatest professional accomplishment:
I’m proud of how
I’ve adapted to the changing needs of students and how I consistently think and
rethink my teaching style. My greatest achievement is deciding to meet with
students one-on-one. I’ve learned so much about my amazing students in these
meetings, and it’s helped me be a better teacher. It’s also helped me to
understand the incredible challenges some of our students face, and what it
takes for them to make it to our classes.
I’m also proud
that I’ve published a book of short stories, and that I continue to write and
publish.
Advice for students or others:
Reach out. For
students this means going to professors’ offices, asking questions, asking for
help, offering help to peers, joining clubs and organizations. For faculty and
staff, I think this means paying attention to students, recognizing when they
need help and offering that help, whatever form it takes. Sometimes students
need information or advice, but often they need someone to listen; they need to
know that someone cares.
Future plans:
To successfully
get my son off to college (one year to go!); go to Hawaii; live in Spain;
finish my novel and a collection of essays.
Family:
Husband Jason; son
Ross; German Shorthaired Pointer Gus
Hobbies:
Swimming, yoga,
paddle boarding, hiking, reading, watching mysteries, playing board or card
games, cross country skiing.
