Introducing Lisa Freeman, Head of UIC’s English Department
One Woman. First Woman. The Woman in Charge
Since the establishment of the University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) in 1858, no woman has ever been appointed as Head of the English Department until recently, 2016, Dr. Lisa A. Freeman made history by being selected and accepting the position. Dr. Freeman will be preceding Dr. Walter Benn Michaels and helm the position starting January 2017. She is a renowned specialist for her research in 18th century literature and culture and theatre studies.
Freeman holds a “veteran status” in higher education. She has worked at many institutions and gained a plethora of knowledge and skills which have led to her current promotion. Freeman is the mastermind behind the new minor concentration, Professional Writing, in the English department at UIC. She stated that she is “looking forward to seeing how the minor and concentration will grow.” She believes this new minor will prepare English majors for their future endeavors in job searches. This minor will also be extended to students in science and social science majors to take allowing them to increase their technical writing skills (a technical writing class is included in the new minor). The extension to other students will also allow for the program to flourish and increase in size for the future.
Dr. Freeman’s appointment means that the English Department is in for an awakening. Her innovative and professional skills will take the department to a higher level and prepare English majors to compete with their schoolmates who major in science, engineering, and mathematics. Freeman acknowledges that “There’s nothing more important in this world than English majors.” Definitely look forward to more great things from this incredible woman.
Freeman holds a “veteran status” in higher education. She has worked at many institutions and gained a plethora of knowledge and skills which have led to her current promotion. Freeman is the mastermind behind the new minor concentration, Professional Writing, in the English department at UIC. She stated that she is “looking forward to seeing how the minor and concentration will grow.” She believes this new minor will prepare English majors for their future endeavors in job searches. This minor will also be extended to students in science and social science majors to take allowing them to increase their technical writing skills (a technical writing class is included in the new minor). The extension to other students will also allow for the program to flourish and increase in size for the future.
Dr. Freeman’s appointment means that the English Department is in for an awakening. Her innovative and professional skills will take the department to a higher level and prepare English majors to compete with their schoolmates who major in science, engineering, and mathematics. Freeman acknowledges that “There’s nothing more important in this world than English majors.” Definitely look forward to more great things from this incredible woman.