English professor credits Augustana mentors

Dr. Jenny Putzi splits her time between working as an English professor at the College of William and Mary and directing the gender, sexuality and women’s studies program there.

The college created the joint-appointment position for her in 2005. “It was the job I always wanted, but never thought I could find,” she said. “My heart is in both."

Dr. Putzi said much of her own undergraduate experience informs how she interacts with students and how she teaches. Her undergraduate professors at Augustana College were especially influential in leading her toward a path of scholarship.

“I am who I am because of my teachers,” she said. “They didn’t just teach me. They mentored me. I think about that with my own teaching. I am open about my private life in many ways to show students that you can have a professional life that you love and a personal life you love.”

Dr. Nancy Huse at Augustana particularly inspired her to seek scholarship in American literature and female authors of the 19th century, she said. 

Just as Dr. Huse was a mentor for her, Dr. Putzi said she hopes to be a similar figure for her English and GSWS students.

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