Linguistics Minor, B.A.

MSU Denver is a nurturer of success - I'm 6 years into my education career and still lean on what I learned at Metro in my daily teaching and instructional coaching. I'll be forever grateful for what MSU Denver's Ed department equipped me with!

Hope Morgan, Literacy Teacher & Instructional Coach Westminster High School

"I continue to be so thankful for the education I received when I attended MSU Denver from 2005-2009. As a student, I consistently felt supported and had a number of opportunities to work directly with students, prepare and deliver lessons, and learn what it meant to be a professional with opportunities to attend and present at NCTE, CLAS, and even begin the NCTE student affiliate for NCTE.

Since I was a mid-year grad, I thought it was impossible to earn a teaching position in the middle of the school year, but because of my thoughtful student teaching placement and professors who were willing to advocate for me, I landed my first teaching position (2 weeks BEFORE graduation) at Castle View High School (Castle Rock, CO) where I have been ever since.

During the last 14 years, I've served as English department chair, the director of our student media program, and have taught a number of classes and all types of students and learners. One of my greatest joys is hiring MSU Denver grads and seeing them become professional educators. I've also maintained my relationships with many of my professors and colleagues from undergrad; those connections have proved invaluable over the years. I completed an MA in journalism from Kent State in 2020 and have since transitioned to the role of Professional Learning Specialist in my building and am now responsible for induction for new teachers, coaching support for all teachers, and building-wide professional development in addition to my now part-time teaching duties.

It was my start at MSU Denver, my instructors, who believed in me, and the truly excellent education I received that prepared me to be the professional career educator that I am today."

Jessica Hunziker, MJE

Professional Learning Specialist Castle View High School

My name is Anahi Quintana, and I currently work at Broomfield Heights Middle School in Boulder Valley School District. This is my third year teaching. I teach 6th grade language arts.

The English Ed concentration at Metropolitan State University of Denver played a crucial role in preparing me because it paved a way for me to be successful in the teaching world. First, the English education program at MSU prepared me to understand the content I would have to teach. I remember taking a ‘teaching literature class 6-12 grade’, ‘teaching writing class 6-12’, and 'teaching English capstone'. The books that I bought while I had those classes I still use to this day. In fact, some of the lessons that I created in these classes, with a few adjustments, are a part of my curriculum today. In addition, the lesson template that the professors shared with us, I still incorporate them in my curriculum. It is such a strong resource, and whenever I collaborate with my colleagues, I use that template because it makes directions very clear.

I had the best mentors, too. Dr. Adams, Dr. Deakins, and Dr. Eastman were one of a kind professors. They taught with such passion and love. In my first year of teaching I received an award from my district called Imogene Maxon Early Educator Award. This was a clear testament of how amazing the English Ed concentration at MSU Denver is.

Anahi Quintana, Sixth Grade Language Arts Teacher at Broomfield Heights Middle School in Boulder, Colorado.

"I am grateful to all my professors in the linguistics and philosophy departments at MSU Denver for giving me an opportunity to pursue my interests. MSU Denver is one of only a few colleges in Colorado which offers a bachelor's degree in linguistics. This is surprising because linguistics has been integral to recent advances in artificial intelligence. Programs such as ChatGPT and Google Translate, and even most social media, would not have been possible without research into the structure and meaning of language. Linguistics will only become more important in society with both AI and automation on the rise, so it is more important than ever for people to get involved in linguistics. Self-development was my primary concern in pursuing my college education. I started college in film school, but I became more interested in the meaning of film than I was interested in the making of films. That interest led me to study the structure, meaning and use of language and the many philosophical questions which arise from the scientific study of language. As my studies have continued, I have found my primary concern has always been with rules and how they work in general, something I plan to continue researching in law school and beyond. If MSU Denver had not offered philosophy and linguistics as majors, I don't think I would be on my way toward being an attorney today."

Adam Di Giorgio

MSU Denver, Linguistics B.A. 2017

Mariam Boufadize — who is more often known as Marius — will be teaching English in Korea through the EPIK program. He is a transgender man who showcases the strength of the LGBTQ+ community and his ability to succeed after graduating from MSU Denver as an English major and Rhetoric/Composition minor in December of 2022. He wanted to thank Dr. Jason Eric Miller, Dr. Cynthia Kuhn, and English advisor Jennifer Kilian for aiding him in his journey throughout MSU Denver.

Marius Boufadize

MSU Denver, English Rhetoric/Composition B.A. 2022

"I graduated from MSU in 2006 with a degree in English and a concentration in Writing. I am now in Executive leadership running an Enterprise Program Management Office and leading corporate strategy. I 100% attribute my success to my ability to communicate in writing, my grit to succeed no matter what, and public speaking. My ability to take complex information and organize it in a way to tell stories helps me motivate others and inspire teams to act. My skills learned at MSU poised me to get accepted to the University of Denver for my MBA where I graduated in 2021." Ashley Kotic Rice, English B.A. with Writing Concentration, 2006.

Ashley Kotic Rice

Ashley Kotic Rice, English B.A. with Writing Concentration, 2006.

“If I've come to know anything about MSU Denver, it's that the faculty truly facilitate a space where dreams become reality, especially when it comes to our English Department Professors who selflessly dedicate time, love, and passion to their students.

In pursuing my degree in English Writing, I've uncovered hidden talents because professors saw something in me and encouraged my growth. I've become confident, capable, and eager to share my stories, opinions, and creativity with the world which is something I never thought I could say. I used to write in secret, never sharing anything with anyone while hoping one day to build the confidence to seek publication. Now, I know I'll be a published author with the skillset and renewed determination the faculty of the English Department has gifted me."

Read Natalie's Full Testimonial

Natalie Gramer, MSU Denver, '23, English B.A. & Aviation and Aerospace B.S.

Recipient of the Fall 2023 Provost's Award and Graduate Honoree of the English Department