Welcome, Whitney Jacobson, assistant English professor
Whitney Jacobson is one of Minnesota State Moorhead’s new faculty in the English department. As assistant professor, she aims to make sure students are successful wherever they need to write in their lives.
Q: What drew you to MSUM?
A: I was a graduate student here; I arrived in 2010 and was in the MFA in creative writing program through 2013. After working in other areas of Minnesota, we’re back to be closer to family. Accepting the job felt like coming home.
Left photo: Whitney with her daughter
Q: What has surprised you about being on the faculty side of things rather than being a student?
A: As a student, I felt so supported and welcomed by faculty. They’d ask, “Have you thought about this?” or say, “You should try that.” I’ve been asked similar questions as faculty, such as “What do you think we could do better?” and “What new things can we do for students?” I’m so excited about that.
Q: What are some unique experiences you’ve had that you know are going to make you even more amazing at your job?
A: I have a wide background with an undergrad degree in literature and a master’s of fine arts in creative writing. I’ve also worked as an editor. I tell students I have the whole spectrum of the English world, whether in publishing or just writing. I also love being a geek with students. For example, I’m invested in the grief memoir and exploring how that presents itself in different forms. So, when students admit liking something weird, I like being able to say, “Great! Let’s dive in!”
Q: What book are you reading?
A: Whiskey Tender by Deborah Jackson Taffa. She’s an Indigenous writer, who writes about her experiencing growing up in this country.
Q: What’s an interesting fact about you that people might not know?
A: I might be cast off campus for this, but I’m originally a Cobber. However, now I’m a Dragon, so I’ve recovered.