Department of English

Brad Benz

Year Graduated:

1995

Teaching Professor of Writing

Job description

Since 2010, I’ve been a faculty member in the Writing Program at the University of Denver. In addition to my research and service commitments, I teach writing, rhetoric, and environmental literature courses.

Why did you choose this program?

I chose the Humboldt M.A. in English program because I wanted to pursue graduate studies, and because I was drawn to the rivers, the ocean, the mountains, and the redwoods of Northern California.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

Almost 30 years ago to the day, I started working as a consultant in the Humboldt Writing Center. I’ve been teaching rhetoric and writing in some capacity ever since. My coursework was wide-ranging and challenging, and the faculty were first rate. I’m grateful to professors Tom Gage and Terry Santos, who showed me—with patience and grace—how to teach, while also providing crucial mentorship around building a career in higher education. Without their guidance and support, I wouldn’t have pursued a Ph.D. (U. Washington, 2001) or become a professor. I try to pay it forward with my own students, as Terry and Tom did for me.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

The people and the location. In my first semester, I’ll never forget talking about Borges in Founders Hall, while watching the sun set over the Pacific. Mind blown! Plus, I met so many cool people living behind the redwood curtain, including one of my dearest lifelong friends in the M.A. program.

Job description

Why did you choose this program?

How did this program prepare you for your job?

What did you enjoy most about the program?

What would you say to prospective students who are thinking about applying to this program?