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Graduate Alumni Interview: Justiss Burry

Justiss Burry,

PhD in English, rhetoric & composition concentration
Spring 2023

Why did you come to USF for your PhD?

I came to USF because the rhetoric and composition department had myriad opportunities both in teaching and research. I was told that I would be able to teach a variety of courses relating to my research and pedagogical interests. My research is located in the rhetoric of health and medicine, and I was excited to work with a pioneer of the field, Dr. Lisa. Melon莽on. The location of the campus and its proximity to affordable housing was also a huge draw, and coming from Orlando I was still close to friends and family. 

What was a unique opportunity that you had while in your program?

One unique opportunity I had while in my program was organizing and delivering professional and technical communication orientations for new and continuing instructors. This writing program administration experience has better prepared me for university committee work and helped me realize the nuances of pedagogical strategies that instructors care about. This was an engaging experience because it taught me how to navigate what we teach in rhetoric and composition: primary and secondary audiences. 

What did you like best about your time in your program?

My favorite part of the program was the comradery afforded by peers. Working alongside a cohort helped me better my research and my understanding of being a good colleague. There were times where we would talk through research and teaching strategies for hours. Another thing that I truly loved about my time in the rhetoric and composition program was the mentoring I received from faculty. Every class was useful and designed to help advance my research agenda. In other words, every paper I wrote in required courses was helpful in larger projects such as my prospectus. Making classes work for future projects helped me realize the power of a forward-facing curriculum, and I was able to successfully graduate in four years. 

What is your current position and how did your experience in the English department prepare you for your job?

I am currently an Assistant Professor of Professional Writing and Rhetoric at Tarleton State University in Stephenville, Texas. My experience in the English department at USF helped prepare me for this role in many ways. First, offering opportunities for me to learn about sub-fields within rhetoric and composition were key to me learning and teaching about technical and professional communication (TPC). Researching alongside Dr. Lisa Melon莽on, a prominent TPC scholar, truly helped me realize what the field valued and how to be a better teacher. Next, the focus on teaching by the USF English Department was key to securing my current job. Students are the reason we teach, and this has transferred from my teaching at USF to teaching at Tarleton.