Matt Corbin

Matt Corbin, a first year M. A. student, is a two-time WKU graduate (‘09 BA English, ‘18 MAE Literacy Education). As Matt begins his 13th year teaching English at South Warren High School in Bowling Green, Kentucky, he returns to the Hill to obtain his rank I for grades 8-12.  He is excited to build new relationships in a challenging academic community that he knows and loves deeply.  

Darryn Gage

Darryn Gage, a first year M.A. student, graduated from Brescia University in 2025 with a Bachelor's in English. Avid fan of films, Southern Gothic literature, nature conservation (especially the preservation of American Gray Wolves!), and practically every form of storytelling out there, Darryn is grateful - and most of all, excited - to pursue the MA at WKU. 

Hayden Petty

Hayden Petty, first year MA student, is an English teacher at Franklin Simpson High School, where she teaches junior English and AP Composition and Language Arts. She enjoys connecting with her students and sparking their creativity through writing as the school's Creative Writing Club sponsor. Excited to begin her master's degree, Hayden looks forward to deepening her passion for teaching and writing while growing as an educator.

Clinton W. Waters

Clinton W. Waters, a first year M.A. student, was born and raised in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He received a Bachelor’s in Creative Writing from WKU and his work as been featured in university publications from WKU as well as Still: The Journal and Untelling Magazine. With a Master’s, Clinton hopes to become a professor of creative writing and encourage others to tell their stories. 

Kelsey Walker 

Kelsey Walker is a first-year M.A. student in English at Western Kentucky University, specializing in the intersections of literature and history. She holds an undergraduate double major in English and History from Seattle University, where she completed the University Honors program. Her interests include literary analysis as cultural critique, mentorship, and student leadership. Kelsey’s work explores how literature engages with historical contexts and amplifies marginalized voices.

Fallon Willoughby 

Quirky, creative, and always weird - Fallon Willoughby strives to be authentically herself and help others do their best. She's a college professor, a published author, and serves on her local Friends of the Library board. She enjoys gaming, crafting, and reading. Born & Still in Southern Kentucky, she loves the countryside and hills, and enjoys spending days with her husband and son, and a houseful of cats and dogs.

Evangeline Osabutey

Evangeline Osabutey, a first year MA student, is a passionate writer and activist who uses storytelling as a powerful tool for advocacy and social change. With a deep commitment to feminist and queer liberation, her work amplifies marginalized voices and challenges harmful narratives. Through essays, poetry, and critical reflections, she bridges creativity and activism to inspire dialogue, foster empathy, and push for a more just and inclusive world.

Christopher Leonardi

Christopher Leonardi, first year MA student, is a fiction and creative non-fiction writer from Smithville, Texas and a national debate champion for his alma mater, the University of Oklahoma. After receiving his undergraduate degree in Psychology, he was driven to pursue his passion for writing and teaching and now spends his time meticulously crafting arguments and short stories that speak to his own unique vision of the world. After graduation, he plans to become an instructor of English and writing and to publish his own collection of short stories to inspire writers-to-come. 

Corene Hopper

Corene Hopper is a first-year M.A. student in English at Western Kentucky University. She earned a B.A. from WKU in the spring of 2025. She majored in English Literature and minored in Gender/Women's Studies. She has a passion for how literature can be used to create and shape social movements, while also providing entertainment. Her cat's name is Oilcan, and he is also excited to be an M.A. student!

Zeita Beaver 

Zeita Beaver is a second year MA student focusing on professional writing. She spends a lot of time with her 6 dogs, 1 cat, and now a turtle! Her favorite genres to read and write are horror and science fiction. When she is not reading and writing, she spends her time playing video games and tending to her garden. 

Ava Hurt

Ava Hurt, a second yearMA student, focuses on literature and currently aspires to continue her education by working towards a PhD in English. In 2024, she graduated with her BA in English Literature from Murray State University with a Minor in Professional Writing. Her specific literary interests include Disability Studies, Eighteenth Century Literature, and the Contemporary Literature genres of historical fiction, dystopian fiction, and magical realism.

Brandon Peters

Brandon Peters, a second year MA student, grew up without knowing he was on the spectrum, making it difficult for him to form connections with people. He immersed myself in a love of reading and writing, majoring in English for my undergraduate degree. He chose not to pursue a master degree immediately after graduation due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, but he has returned to do so in an attempt to better himself.