A UNC Charlotte English graduate will explore the connection between a liberal arts education and her election as the first African American mayor of Asheville during the keynote talk of English Major Days.
Terry Bellamy will present "How an English Major from UNC Charlotte Became Mayer of Asheville" at 4:30 p.m., Wednesday, March 12, in Storrs Building, Room 110. Students from all majors are invited to this talk and other events on these two days.
At age 33, Bellamy first won election to the Asheville City Council, winning reelection in 2003. She was elected mayor in November 2005. She now serves as executive director of the Arc of Buncombe County, an organization dedicated to empowering adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bellamy is a native of Asheville and earned a bachelor’s degree in English in 1994.
Bellamy has said her studies gave her an appreciation for the diversity and complexity of ideas. “A liberal arts degree helps you understand not just how to connect the dots, but what happens when you connect the dots,” she said.
In addition to the keynote talk, a series of workshops on March 11 and 12 will cover topics ranging from publishing to preparing for a contemporary career. All workshops will be in Fretwell Building, Room 290B and will be repeated each day.
- “ Publishing a Book.” Noon. English Department faculty will talk about their experiences with the publishing industry, taking students through the process of brining a book project from conception to publication – whether a novel, book of poetry, picture book or scholarly work. Panelists on March 11 are Aaron Gwyn, Chris Davis and Paula Connolly. Panelists on March 12 are A.J. Hartley, Janaka Lewis, Jennifer Munroe and Alan Rauch.
- “Navigating the English Curriculum.” 1 p.m. This workshop will guide students through the new English major curriculum that was put in place in fall 2013 and that includes new concentrations in creative writing, language and digital technology, literature and culture, and pedagogy. Students can ask questions about the courses within the concentrations, obtain worksheets for their requirements, and hear career advice related to the various concentrations. The panelists will discuss general education requirements, substitutions, waivers, and the minors offered by the English Department.
- “Preparing for Graduate School.” 2 p.m. Faculty members and current graduate students from the English Department will discuss the process of applying to graduate programs. They will address topics such as the importance of the undergraduate GPA, taking the GRE, establishing good connections with faculty and asking for letters of recommendation, writing a personal statement, researching graduate programs, and looking for funding. Students will have ample time for questions.
- “The English Major as Preparation for a 21st Century Career.” 3 p.m. The study of English is ideal for developing person as a flexible, inquisitive thinker who is comfortable with complexity. And this in turn is the ideal experience to grow into a strong, authentic leader, ready to take on multiple career paths and challenges. Led by a panel from the world of film, business and law, this workshop will not only help students explore practical paths to employment, The panel will help students understand the unique and highly marketable language and leadership skills they are developing and learn more about the long- and short-term opportunities available to inventive English majors.