This spring, PLNU’s first cohort of 10 Master of Arts in Writing students completed their degrees. The students participated in a graduate reception where they gave readings from their thesis papers. Then on May 8, they celebrated their achievement at Commencement.
One of the graduates was Meghan Coley, who shared: “The time I spent in this program meant so much to me on multiple levels: to get to further my education at the institution where I completed my undergraduate degree, to make new connections with colleagues and strengthen connections with amazing professors and peers, and to have the opportunity to step out of my comfort zone and teach for the first time while working on a novel project that means the world to me. Everything about the past two years has been a learning experience and a blessing.”
The program was academically rigorous and included opportunities for students to hone their craft through mentorship, peer interactions, and workshops with professional writers.
“I couldn’t be prouder of this inaugural M.A. in Writing program cohort who surpassed my hopes and dreams in every way,” said the program director, Robbie Maakestad, MFA. “Each student completed a 25,000-45,000 word (fiction and nonfiction) or 60-page (poetry) thesis project, accompanied by a 20-page critical work.
“Additionally, beyond program requirements, during their time in the program, this cohort published one collection of poetry; 83 journal, magazine, or web publications; and presented on seven conference panels/poster presentations. At PLNU, during their two program years, this cohort conducted 921 tutoring sessions at the Loma Writing Center, bolstering writing instruction across the university.
“In program year two, this cohort also had the opportunity to teach ENG 1010: College Composition courses, in which nearly 300 freshmen undergrad students benefited from their writing instruction. This cohort has had a truly stunning impact on the university and beyond.”
