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Portrait of Morgan Thornburg

English, M.A., Emphasis in Applied English Studies | Class of

Morgan Thornburg

Administrative Support Assistant II

Employer: Humboldt State University

Job description: I take the lead on Graduate Admissions at Humboldt State University. This includes creating applications for all of the graduate departments on campus, working with CalStateApply on admissions processes, and ensuring that the applicants move through the various stages of the admissions process as smoothly as possible.

About Morgan

Why did you choose this program?

I chose this program because I truly love Humboldt! I earned my Bachelor's from HSU in 2016 with a double-major in English and Journalism. I managed to stay away for one year before returning for the MA program, and I don't see myself leaving anytime soon.

How did this program prepare you for your job?

My job requires a lot of attention to detail as well as strong written communication skills, fluency with editing websites, understanding that prospective students come from diverse backgrounds, and being aware of who is being represented (or not) in academia. I think what I carry with me most from this program is a better understanding of how language can be used to reinforce boundaries in often dangerous ways, and this awareness allows me to help foster a more inclusive culture at Humboldt State.

What did you enjoy most about the program?

What I enjoyed most about this program was the way that faculty encouraged me to explore all of my interests and to "get messy." I wrote my thesis on representations of redheadedness, which is not the first thing that comes to mind for most people when they think "English major." I also did a creative project where I knitted a visual display that was accompanied by my written work. The English MA program at HSU really supports the students' interests and finds ways for these interests/passions to intersect in meaningful ways.

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

I would say do it! The Applied English program prepares students for a variety of careers, and the supportive faculty are accessible and happy to help students find their unique paths.