This semester marked the start year two of our program to support Xavier part-time instructors, the first beyond last year's pilot. The school was fortunate once again in assembling an incredible roster of part-time teaching talent, across all colleges, divisions, and departments. It was once again my pleasure to meet and work with such an engaged and interesting cohort.
Three individuals in particular, Marlana Fireman (English), Matthew Hanson (English), and Allison Morvant (History), showed amazing dedication to the cause, participating in CAT+FD efforts to promote the scholarship of teaching and learning, which in turn enhances their classes and student experiences as well. These teachers demonstrate the idea of serious reflection as crucial to academic endeavors on any level, and especially within Xavier's particular mission-driven framework.
Marlana Botnick Fireman (she/her) is a writer and editor in New Orleans, Louisiana. She completed her MFA in creative writing at the University of New Orleans and was awarded the Joanna Leake Prize for Fiction Thesis. They are a former Associate Fiction Editor for Bayou Magazine.
Matthew Hanson was born and raised in Massachusetts and has lived in New Orleans for five years. He has taught at Xavier, Delgado Community College, and UMass-Boston. He is also a contributing editor at The Arts Fuse and American Purpose, with his essays and criticism appearing in a variety of publications.
Allison Morvant earned a PhD in history from Louisiana State University and holds an MA in Political Science from LSU as well. In addition to Xavier, she has taught at LSU and South Louisiana Community College.
Any institution benefits from having teachers such as these in their ranks, and Xavier will be lucky to keep them in the future, as the market forces of part-time teaching, as well as as personal and professional goals, do their work. In fact, Matthew Hanson has recently accepted a senior lecturer position at Delgado Community College. We wish him all the best in his new role! Best wishes as well to Marlana and Allison, to all of Xavier's part-time teachers, and a very happy holiday break to everyone!
Jeremy Tuman