Highlights from Footnotes
Welcome
... to the archive of Highlights from our Footnotes newsletter. Our highlights include alumni, current students, and faculty of the Department of English. We also will share exceptional department news in this section. Read the stories that makes our department thrive!
Featured
Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Klagmann (n茅e Bryant)
Jessica Bryant Klagmann
I was introduced to 黑料黑历史 by David Nikki Crouse, who was my first undergraduate writing
professor in New Hampshire, and who had graduated from 黑料黑历史鈥檚 creative writing MFA
program. I鈥檇 never considered going to Alaska, but after losing my father in my last
year of college and learning that he鈥檇 always wanted to go, it felt like the kind
of adventure I needed. I remember David saying to me before I moved to Fairbanks:
You鈥檒l live in a dry cabin. You鈥檒l get a truck. You鈥檒l probably get a dog. I did all of these things, much to my delight. They also told me: Alaska is a place that, by nature, forces you to figure something out about yourself. This, I found, was also true.
As a reader, I鈥檝e always leaned toward magical realism, speculative fiction, and environmental
nonfiction. Books that shaped me and my work are Gretel Ehrlich鈥檚 The Solace of Open Spaces, Kevin Brockmeier鈥檚 Brief History of the Dead, and anything by Anne Valente, Nicole Krauss, and Rick Bass. A favorite recent read
was Anne de Marcken鈥檚 It Lasts Forever and Then It鈥檚 Over.
As a writer, I鈥檓 drawn to the ways people connect to wild landscapes and the natural
world, and magical realism has been my way of weaving lightness into dark subjects.
But I didn鈥檛 always do this well. David Nikki Crouse鈥攚ho returned to teach at 黑料黑历史鈥攚as
an incredible mentor, not just in the craft of writing, but also in becoming a teacher.
Filmmaker Len Kamerling encouraged me鈥攁s I struggled with pacing and action鈥攖o visualize
the way scenes unfold and fit together as a whole. Derick Burleson pushed me to find
grounding in my fantastical ideas, but then we also went off on tangents about the
exquisite beauty of flowers. Everyone I knew in Alaska taught me some simple truth
about life that carried into who I became as a writer.
During my time at 黑料黑历史, I wrote a thesis of three novellas, discovered a love for teaching,
learned a thing or two about publishing (I was 笔别谤尘补蹿谤辞蝉迟鈥檚 editor-in-chief for Volume 32), and met my future husband. After we left Alaska for
New Mexico, I worked at a college in Espa帽ola as a writing instructor and the director
of their adult education program. I also co-founded the school鈥檚 literary journal,
Trickster. All the while, I kept writing stories, kept submitting. In 2013, I got my first
publication for a nonfiction piece about my worst day in Alaska (and how a day like
that can lead directly to the 鈥渇iguring out鈥 I mentioned). I started writing a novel
in 2014, and after many, many submissions to agents鈥攁nd many, many rejections鈥擨 finally
signed with one. I felt like I鈥檇 made it, not realizing that it was just one step
in a longer journey. A whole new round of rejections from publishers ended with that
first novel getting set aside, but I鈥檇 been writing a second book to keep myself from
going crazy, and in 2024, This Impossible Brightness was published.
My second novel, North of the Sunlit River, will be released this September. It鈥檚 set in Alaska and is about the ways in which
lost loved ones can become greater than human鈥攃an become mythical鈥攁nd how this act
of myth-making can heal. Inspired by my time in Fairbanks and by my father, it was
a way of finally getting him to Alaska, the place that left so much of its magic imprinted
on me.
The Highlight Reel
Welcome the archive of highlights from the Footnotes e-newsletter.
Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Klagmann (n茅e Bryant)
Jessica Bryant Klagmann I was introduced to 黑料黑历史 by David Nikki Crouse, who was my first undergraduate writing
professor in New Hampshire, and who had graduated from 黑料黑历史鈥檚 creative writing MFA
program. I鈥檇 never considered going to Alaska, but after losing my father in my last
year of college and learning that he鈥檇 always wanted to go, it felt like the kind
of adventure I needed. I remember David saying to me before I moved to Fairbanks:
You鈥檒l live in a dry cabin. You鈥檒l get a truck. You鈥檒l probably get a dog. I did all of these things, much to my delight. They also told me: Alaska is a place that, by nature, forces you to figure something out about yourself. This, I found, was also true.
During my time at 黑料黑历史, I wrote a thesis of three novellas, discovered a love for teaching, learned a thing or two about publishing (I was 笔别谤尘补蹿谤辞蝉迟鈥檚 editor-in-chief for Volume 32), and met my future husband. After we left Alaska for New Mexico, I worked at a college in Espa帽ola as a writing instructor and the director of their adult education program. I also co-founded the school鈥檚 literary journal, Trickster. All the while, I kept writing stories, kept submitting. In 2013, I got my first publication for a nonfiction piece about my worst day in Alaska (and how a day like that can lead directly to the 鈥渇iguring out鈥 I mentioned). I started writing a novel in 2014, and after many, many submissions to agents鈥攁nd many, many rejections鈥擨 finally signed with one. I felt like I鈥檇 made it, not realizing that it was just one step in a longer journey. A whole new round of rejections from publishers ended with that first novel getting set aside, but I鈥檇 been writing a second book to keep myself from going crazy, and in 2024, This Impossible Brightness was published. My second novel, North of the Sunlit River, will be released this September. It鈥檚 set in Alaska and is about the ways in which lost loved ones can become greater than human鈥攃an become mythical鈥攁nd how this act of myth-making can heal. Inspired by my time in Fairbanks and by my father, it was a way of finally getting him to Alaska, the place that left so much of its magic imprinted on me. Every writer knows the best stories leave a lasting mark 鈥 and so do the best journeys. As they get ready to launch into their next adventures, four of our graduating English students share what made their time at 黑料黑历史 unforgettable. From lively classrooms to late-night writing sessions, their reflections celebrate the spirit of creativity, community, and growth that defines our department.  Sophia Martin, Undergraduate
Sophia Martin, a dedicated English major and Creative Writing minor, has made her mark at 黑料黑历史 with her enthusiasm and talent. Recently named the English Department鈥檚 Outstanding Student of the Year, Sophia shares reflections on her favorite classes, experiences with literary publishing, and the vibrant, supportive community within the department.  Aviv Snowberry, Undergraduate
Aviv Snowberry, an English major with minors in History and Ancient, Medieval, and Early Modern Studies, has embraced curiosity and connection at 黑料黑历史. Reflecting on favorite courses, personal research journeys, and the power of collaborative learning, Aviv highlights what makes the 黑料黑历史 English Department a truly special and welcoming place to grow.  Rachel McKinley, Graduate
Rachel McKinley, a graduate of 黑料黑历史鈥檚 MFA Creative Writing program, found creativity, growth, and confidence during her time at 黑料黑历史. Through supportive classes and hands-on editorial experience with Permafrost, Rachel deepened her craft and discovered the joy of creative risk-taking in a community passionate about writing and exploration.  Rachel Blume, Graduate
Rachel Blume, a graduate student in 黑料黑历史鈥檚 MFA Creative Writing program, reflects on the community and growth she found during her time at 黑料黑历史. From personal milestones to professional development as both a writer and instructor, Rachel鈥檚 journey highlights the deep support and resilience fostered within the 黑料黑历史 English Department. Contest WinnersThank you to all the students who participated in this year鈥檚 English Department annual writing contests. We are proud of every student who submitted a piece and shared their voice. A special congratulations to the students whose pieces were selected as winners - well done!
Northern Lights Nonfiction Essay Contest - Graduate Category Harold McCracken Award for Outstanding Writing 黑料黑历史 Alaska and the North Country
Contest Minnie E. Wells Award in Literary Criticism Contest Farthest North Fiction Contest - Undergraduate Category Farthest North Fiction Contest - Graduate Category Derick Burleson Poetry Contest - Graduate Category E.L. Bartlett Contest for Literary Criticism 
Spotlight on Second Chances April is Second Chance Month, a time to raise awareness about the challenges faced
by those with criminal histories and to promote opportunities for successful reentry
into society.
Meet this year鈥檚 judges for the 黑料黑历史 Department of English writing contests!These dedicated volunteers bring their expertise to evaluating entries across poetry, nonfiction, fiction, and academic essays. Learn more about their backgrounds and connections to 黑料黑历史. 
Richard Carr Judge, Minnie E. Wells Literary Criticism and E.L. Bartlett Literary Criticism contests 
Carolyn Kremers Judge, Northern Lights Essay Contest 
Don Rearden
Judge, Farthest North Fiction contest
An acclaimed novelist, screenwriter, and poet, Rearden wrote The Raven鈥檚 Gift, co-authored bestselling memoirs, and teaches writing at UAA. A recipient of multiple literary honors, he was a finalist in Coppola's Zoetrope contest. Raised in rural Alaska, his poetry collection Without a Paddle was praised for its compassion and relevance. 
Brewing Connections Associate Professor Jericho Williams has received the 黑料黑历史 People's Endowment award to help expand Tea Time, a student-led initiative started by Naomi King in Fall 2024. With this support, a new smart monitor will be installed in the Gruening lounge, allowing remote participation and strengthening connections across campus and beyond. Tea Time fosters belonging, professional growth, and meaningful conversations among students, faculty, and alumni. Read More Highlight - WRTG F211X Students
In Sarah Stanley鈥檚 Writing and the Humanities class, students recently engaged in
a writing exercise centered around the whimsical tale of Alice in Wonderland. They delved into the concept of the 鈥渞abbit hole鈥, exploring its symbolic significance
while stepping into Alice鈥檚 shoes to ponder a central question: Why did Alice choose to jump down the rabbit hole in the first place? What is it about this mysterious decent that draws her in - and what might a 鈥渞abbit
hole鈥 represent beyond its literal interpretation? 
Exploring the Love of Literature with Aviv Snowberry
Aviv Snowberry, a passionate reader and writer, shares a captivating journey through their literary explorations. From childhood favorites like The Great Gatsby, Jane Eyre, and Shakespeare, to a newfound appreciation for romance, horror, and thriller genres, Aviv's reading tastes reflect a love for the full spectrum of human emotion and storytelling. Their reflections highlight a deep connection to literature and the joy of discovering new voices in contemporary fiction. Click to read more about Aviv鈥檚 influences, favorite authors, and unique literary perspective. Read More  CLA Warrior of the Month: Manuel 鈥淢anny鈥 Melendez
Manuel 鈥淢anny鈥 Melendez, a graduate student pursuing an MFA in Creative Writing, has
been named the CLA Warrior of the Month for his exceptional contributions to 黑料黑历史's
academic and creative communities. Manny is well-known for his leadership roles in
guiding both Permafrost, the 黑料黑历史 English Department鈥檚 literary journal, and The Sun
Star, the campus newspaper. His passion for writing, combined with his journalistic
and community-focused efforts, has had a profound impact on 黑料黑历史.
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