Hilary Fezzey Ph.D., always wanted to be a teacher. Her original plan was to be a middle or high school teacher, but her love of reading and learning prompted her to expand on her undergrad in English from Northern Michigan University, to a master’s in literature and a doctorate in 18th and 19th century British literature from Purdue University.
She is now a professor of English in the Department of Writing, Language, and Literature, the associate director of the Writing Center, and the coordinator of the Global Studies Minor at UWS. In addition, she is the faculty advisor for the UWS English Club and Sigma Tau Delta.
This summer, she will also be serving in a new role on campus as McNair research and writing specialist, and student mentor for the TRIO McNair Scholars Program.
Originally a proud Yooper (Fezzey was born and raised in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula), she has carved out a space and home here in the city of Superior and at UWS.
Fezzey stated that she “…always wanted to teach at a university about this size that really emphasizes excellence in teaching and learning, and where you really get to work closely with students…and have small class sizes…I just love the people…faculty and staff and students.”
Hilary Fezzey
Photo provided by Staff Directory
Third year UWS student and Writing Center consultant Malita Villamayor says the love Fezzey has for her students is reciprocated: “I’ve always thought she was one of the nicest teachers here; she [is] always super chill and will always work with you…In the Writing Center, it’s always nice to have her here; she’s someone I trust. If some weird situation came up, I know I could go to her for help.”
Fezzey is also a fellow for the Keats-Shelley Association of America and Romantic Circles Pedagogy. As a part of this role, she collaborates with professors across the country putting together anti-racist resources for romanticism teachers.
Within her busy schedule, she finds time to also work on her scholarship—she’s revising a journal article about disability studies in the 18th century.
The article analyzes neurodiversity in an 18th century Scottish court case; she is also looking at a novel from that time period.
