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SPPO Grad Accepts Tenure-Track Position

March 17, 2014

SPPO Grad Accepts Tenure-Track Position

The secret is out. For nearly three months, Amanda Matousek, 2013 PhD in Latin American literature & culture, kept some wonderful news to herself as she carried out her duties as a lecturer at Ohio State. In December 2013, she accepted a tenure-track position as an Assistant Professor at Wofford College in South Carolina.

“People that know me would say ‘That’s Amanda’” she joked regarding her proclivity to keep big news to herself. After so much time elapsed, a colleague told Amanda that if she wouldn’t let people know herself, she would have to announce it for her. When the news broke on the Department Facebook page, there was an immediate and overwhelming response in wishing her well. It would seem that humility is working out for her.

She spoke fondly of her six years with Spanish and Portuguese at Ohio State, as both a graduate student and as a lecturer. During the pursuit of her Ph.D., she stated she was particularly grateful for getting to work in close proximity to Professor Ignacio Corona. She went on to tell several memorable moments of Corona in action. “He inspired me to study what I study”.

Overall she said her time at Ohio State prepared her well for this next step in her career. She will be teaching intermediate to advanced Spanish classes at the liberal arts college.  Particularly exciting to her are the opportunities found in Wofford’s “intersession”. Taking place in January between semesters, intersession will allow her to provide creative and perhaps non-traditional study opportunities for her students.

Moving away from Ohio will be a big transition for Amanda. “I’m going to miss it. I’ve lived here my whole life. Now that I’m actually leaving, I’m nostalgic”. She can rest assured that the feeling is mutual. Ohio, and our Department in particular, will certainly miss having her around.

*Edit* A special congratulations to Jennifer Barajas (ABD in Hispanic Linguistics). She has recently accepted a tenure-track Assistant Professor position at Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Congratulations Jenny!