Tom Blake, Rachel Young, Caroline Ogden, and Holly Kapp
Several students joined Dr. Tom Blake, assistant professor of English, at the annual Conference in Medieval and Early Modern Studies on February 8 at Southern Methodist University in Dallas. The students were able to interact with students and faculty from University of Dallas, Southeastern Oklahoma State, The University of Texas at Dallas, Texas Wesleyan, SMU, and The University of Texas at Arlington, among others. The conference is an event of the Medievalists & Early Modernists of North Texas and Oklahoma.
Three Austin College students presented academic research on topics of medieval literature, using a range of critical approaches:
- Holly Kapp ’20 of Dodd City, Texas, presented on the Virgin Mary as legislatrix in late medieval Marian miracles. A current Austin College Scarbrough Fellow working on her honors thesis in medieval literature, Holly also presented at the 2019 conference.
- Rachel Young ’21 of Paris, Texas, and Caroline Ogden ’20 of Highland Village, Texas, presented on a public campaign using fliers to correct misappropriation of the Middle Ages by the far right.
Dr. Blake served on the organizing committee for the organization’s fourth annual conference.
Austin College, a private national liberal arts college located north of Dallas in Sherman, Texas, has earned a reputation for excellence in academic preparation, international study, pre-professional foundations, leadership development, committed faculty, and hands-on, adventurous learning opportunities. One of 40 schools profiled in Loren Pope’s influential book Colleges That Change Lives, Austin College boasts a welcoming community that embraces diversity and individuality, with more than 50 percent of students identifying as persons of color. The residential student body of approximately 1,300 students and more than 100 expert faculty members allow a 13:1 student-faculty ratio and personalized attention. Austin College is related by covenant to the Presbyterian Church (USA) and cultivates an inclusive atmosphere that supports students’ faith journeys regardless of religious tradition. Founded in 1849, the College is the oldest institution of higher education in Texas operating under original name and charter.