Cari Carpenter
Professor of English, West Virginia University
Professional Overview
Cari Carpenter is an accomplished Professor of English with over 20 years of experience in higher education. As a tenured faculty member at West Virginia University, she leverages her deep expertise in American literature, gender studies, and interdisciplinary research to drive innovative teaching and impactful scholarship.
Experience Summary
Current Role
Professor of English, West Virginia University (2018 - Present)
- Designs and delivers engaging undergraduate and graduate courses in American literature, gender studies, and research methods
- Leads interdisciplinary research projects exploring the intersection of gender, race, and regionalism in 19th and 20th century literary works
- Serves on departmental and university-wide committees to shape academic policies and enhance student experience
Career Progression
Associate Professor, West Virginia University (2004 - 2022)
- Promoted to associate professor role in recognition of outstanding teaching evaluations and acclaimed research publications
- Secured competitive grants to fund collaborative digital humanities projects, expanding accessibility of literary archives
- Mentored junior faculty and graduate students, contributing to the department's strong record of student achievement
Teaching Postdoctoral Fellow, Kalamazoo College (2002 - 2004)
- Gained valuable teaching experience as a postdoctoral fellow, honing pedagogical skills and developing innovative course materials
Academic Background
Ph.D. in English Literature, University of Michigan
- Dissertation focused on representations of gender and regionalism in 20th century American novels
- Recipient of the prestigious Rackham Predoctoral Fellowship
Areas of Expertise
- American literature, with a focus on gender, race, and regional studies
- Qualitative research methods and literary analysis
- Curriculum development and instructional design
- Collaborative digital humanities projects
Professional Impact
- Published extensively in top-tier academic journals, contributing scholarly insights on the evolving role of women writers in the American literary canon
- Organized biennial symposia exploring the intersection of literature, gender, and social justice, attracting renowned scholars and authors
- Awarded the WVU Foundation Outstanding Researcher Award in recognition of her impactful research and publications
Conclusion
With her deep academic credentials, diverse teaching experience, and prolific research portfolio, Cari Carpenter continues to shape the field of American literature and gender studies. As a tenured Professor of English at West Virginia University, she remains committed to engaging students, advancing scholarship, and driving positive change through her interdisciplinary work.
