Our Mission:

Affirming the Nyack College Core Values, the English Department enables English majors through reading, study, contemplation, and preparation to be image-bearers of the Word, who in humility, seek Godly wisdom, greater understanding of His vast creation, and service to a needy world.  The Nyack College English major equips students to develop an appreciation for and facility with language, literature, creative expression and critical inquiry.  In pursuit of our mission, English majors study a diverse body of literature from around the world, past and present, develop competence in secondary research, and learn to communicate more effectively in the written word.

On behalf of the Nyack College English Department faculty and staff, I encourage you to browse our updated website.  As we conclude the Spring 2010 semester, we thank God for his faithfulness throughout this great year and recognize the contribution of many faculty, staff, and students as we pursue the unique mission God has called us to in this place at this time.

During Spring 2010, English faculty and students have been pursuing excellence in academics with a renewed passion.  We congratulate Dr. Kevin Pinkham on succussfully completing his Ph.D. at the University of Southern California.  Dr. Pinkham also accompanied Andrew Rasumussen (Jr. English Major) to Ogden Utah where Andy presented his paper on Charles Williams at the 25th Annual National Undergraduate Literature Conference at Weber State University.  Professors Lux, McCreery, and Warrington attended the Gift of Writer's Retreat in March, and Dr. Lux is scheduled to present her paper "Spiritual Odyssey and Feminist Narratives of Inclusion: Colleen Carpenter Cullinan, Sue Monk Kidd, and Gail Godwin" at the Centre for Interdisciplinary Research on Narrative at St. Thomas University (Canada).  In addition to presenting research on J.D. Salinger at the Nyack Scholars Symposium in early April, Professor McDuffie will present at the Elizabeth Maddox Conference in Kentucky.  Also presenting at the Maddox conference will be students Natasha Miller (Jr TESOL major) Sarah Gray (Jr. English major) and recent graduate Jaime Moore ('09 Adolescent Education/English major).  This Spring Professor McDuffie's collection of poems entitled Seven Hymns From the West was published by Hymnagistes Press.  Dr. Beach presented at the recent New York C. S. Lewis Society and has delivered a series of talks on Lewis's life and art at a local Hudson Valley church.

To read selections from our 2010 literary journal or to submit your original creative work for the 2011 edition, please click on "The Fine Print."  To find out more about upcoming poetry readings and special events for the fall, please read our Upcoming Events page.

To read about our Spring 2010 London Trip during Spring Break, please read the updated web page Literary London for more information.

If you are a prospective student who is contemplating English as your major, minor, or area of concentration as an education major, we would love to speak with you.  Please contact a member of Nyack's Office of Admissions for an application and more information.  We also welcome prospective students and their parents to visit our classes.

In His Service, 

Dr. Jonathan Gates
English Department Chair