I write about collective traumas that impact the black community inside and outside of literary texts because, many times, these stories are hardly ever told or are quickly forgotten. My work sheds light on black women’s experiences and considers ways African American literature intersects with aspects of trauma and healing.
Apryl Lewis English Instructor
- Alum
Apryl Lewis (she/her/hers) is a doctoral candidate in English at Texas Tech University in the areas of African American literature, trauma studies, and cultural studies. She has a publication forthcoming in Women, Gender, and Families of Color, a publication in Sport in American History, and a co-authored publication in Spark: A 4C4Equality Journal. Apryl completed her B.A. in English at Texas Tech and her M.A. in English at Texas A&M University-Commerce.
A Conversation with Dr. FirstName LastName
Tell us about your career.
“I am a full-time English Instructor at Fresno City College in Fresno, CA. Although this is my first-year of employment with the college, I thoroughly enjoy working with students from various backgrounds who want to advance their writing skills. Fresno City College has facilitated my professional development as an educator, which I hope will continue to translate in classroom and online settings.”
What do you like most about your career?
“I can, and am frequently encouraged, to use my voice to further social changes on campus and in the community. There are so many ways to get involved and I am excited about the prospect of collaborating with faculty, staff, and administrators!”
Tell us about an influential professor or person on campus during your time at ETSU/A&M-Commerce
“I applied to TAMU-C for the M.A. degree in English during a time in my life where I felt aimless. Despite my doubts about being a successful graduate student, the Literature & Languages department took a chance on me. Attending TAMU-C became a positive turning point for my academic and personal goals. Dr. Kathryn Jacob's creative writing workshop was an influential course for me as a student. Through her guidance, I became more confident in my abilities as a creative writer, which translated to publications. Additionally, Dr. Jacobs saw potential in me as an educator, even when I faced adversity as a first-year instructor. Thanks to Dr. Jacobs and the mentorship I received from my classmates, Terry Nugent and Wesley English, for molding me into the scholar and educator I am today.”
What was the last book you read?
“The last book I read is An American Marriage by Tayari Jones. The novel follows a married couple who face an unthinkable hardship: one spouse is wrongfully convicted and incarcerated, while the other spouse tries her best to maintain her own livelihood. This book became the inspiration for my first book-length project. My project is titled “Standing in a Crooked Room: Black Feminism and Traumatic Legacies Within Contemporary African American Literature.” I write about collective traumas that impact the black community inside and outside of literary texts because, many times, these stories are hardly ever told or are quickly forgotten. My work sheds light on black women's experiences and considers ways African American literature intersects with aspects of trauma and healing.”
Educational Background
- Ph.D., English, Texas Tech University, in progress
- MA, English, Texas A&M University-Commerce, 2015
- BA, English, Texas Tech University, 2013
Honors and Awards
- Bruce Family Memorial Scholarship, Texas Tech University, 2020.
- William Bryan Gates Graduate Award in English, Texas Tech University, 2019-2020
- Bruce Family Memorial Scholarship, Texas Tech University, 2016
- Helen DeVitt Jones Graduate Fellowship, Texas Tech University, Fall 2016.
Research Interests
- African American Literature,
- Trauma Studies
- Cultural Studies