Laura Haldane, '14, earned a double major in English and environmental science. The instruction she received through Madonna’s English program prepared her for graduate study at The University of Toledo. As an undergraduate, Laura found a way to combine her two passions and discovered her field of interest: environmental criticism and ecofeminism, which explore the human/nature bond and the way literature portrays this connection. The English program allowed Laura to further develop her writing and critical thinking abilities, skills she can apply to future work in either the sciences or the arts. Madonna’s nurturing atmosphere and the close relationships she developed with faculty from across the disciplines helped her become the successful and confident writing teacher she is today.
This program provides students with a thorough grounding in the theory and practice of critical reading, writing and communicating.
Ph.D., University of Kentucky
M.A., Eastern Michigan University
M.A., Ohio State University
B.A., Ohio State University
keyster@madonna.edu
734-432-5307, 2426
Dr. Kevin Eyster, along with serving as Dean of the College of Arts and humanites, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Language, Literature, Communication, and Writing. He joined the full-time faculty of Madonna University in 1995. He completed his doctoral degree in 1991 from the University of Kentucky. Professor Eyster teaches courses in literature, folklore, writing, and the humanities.
His research interests include twentieth-century southern American writers Eudora Welty and William Faulkner, as well as the interrelationship between folklore and literature. While at Madonna, Dr. Eyster served as NEH Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Humanities from 2001 to 2003, and in 2011 he received the Faculty Excellence Award from graduating seniors.
Ph.D., University of Virginia
M.A., University of Virginia
B.A., Western Washington University
jcordell@madonna.edu
734-432-5558, 2434
Jeffrey Cordell is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Language, Literature, Communications, and Writing. He joined the full time faculty of Madonna University in 2013 from Alma College. He completed his doctoral degree in 2008 at the University of Virginia. He teaches American and British literature.
His interests include medieval and Renaissance English literature and classical backgrounds to British and European literature. His publications include work on the idea of Christian charity in shaping Francis Bacon's Advancement of Learning and, as a contributing author, an award-winning study of undergraduate library research methods.
Ph.D., Wayne State University
M.A., Central Michigan University
B.A., Wayne State University
kedelmayer@madonna.edu
734-432-5659
Dr. Kathleen M. Edelmayer is a Professor of Communication. She joined Madonna University in 2003 after having been the Chair of the Humanities Division at St. Mary’s College of Ave Maria University. Previously, she was Director of Debate at Illinois State University, Assistant Director of Forensics at St. Olaf College, and Visiting Assistant Professor at Albion College. She earned a Ph.D. in Communication and a B.A. in Economics from Wayne State University. Her M.A. in Communication is from Central Michigan University.
Dr. Edelmayer teaches interpersonal communication, argumentation and persuasion, small group communication, and political campaign communication. Her research areas are religious and political communication, teaching methods, and administrative issues. She is very involved in Madonna University’s Study Abroad program, having led programs to Ireland and Poland/Prague.
She is very active in the professional community. She currently serves the National Communication Association as a member of the legislative assembly and the leadership team of the Undergraduate College and University Section of NCA. She has served as president of the Religious Communication Association, executive board member of the Central States Communication Association, and finance committee chair of the American Forensics Association.