ISSUED: 17 April 2018
MEDIA CONTACT: Valerie Owens
SHEPHERDSTOWN, WV — A Shepherd University professor is included on The State Journal’s 2018 Generation Next: 40 Under 40, a list of the state’s most influential young professionals. Dr. Christy Wenger, associate professor of English and director of writing and rhetoric, was chosen for the unique approach she takes toward educating students.
“I have dedicated my career as a writing professor to teaching students to approach writing and learning with mindfulness, or full, reflective attention,” Wenger said. “Mindfulness is increasingly gaining national attention in both public and educational forums as a metacognitive tool that can help students increase focus and awareness to directly and positively impact their learning, creativity, and communication. My goal is to develop students who are self-reflective and discerning, who know how to communicate well and are rhetorically sensitive to an ever-changing and digitally networked world.”
Wenger, author of the book “Yoga Minds, Writing Bodies: Contemplative Writing Pedagogy,” said she’s honored to be chosen as one of 2018’s 40 under 40 and is happy to represent Shepherd across the state.
“I’m glad The State Journal highlights Shepherd’s strong and growing writing program, which I direct, and my work with mindfulness so that other professionals and educators might begin to see the value in supporting undergraduate writing and developing mindful students who will turn into future state leaders,” Wenger said.
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