Division of Language and Literature

Purpose

The Division of Language and Literature teaches in the university core curriculum and supports degree programs designed to prepare students for careers and/or graduate study in modern foreign languages, English, and related areas.

The purpose of the curriculum of the Division of Language and Literature is to assist students in developing skills in critical thinking and informative, analytical and creative written communication; to introduce students to significant works of literature reflecting the history of Western and non-Western culture; to assist students in analyzing the nature and diversity of human expressions of culture; to assist students in developing an appreciation for the aesthetic, ethical and legal imperatives associated with written communication; to assist students in understanding the nature and structure of language; and to assist students in integrating Christian faith and knowledge.

Dean of Theology, Art, and Humanities

Matthew Y. Emerson
Floyd K. Clark Chair of Christian Leadership
Professor of Religion
B.S., Auburn University, 2005
M.Div., The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2006
M.Div., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2008
Ph.D., Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary, 2011
Joined the OBU faculty in 2015.

Chair, Language and Literature

Brent Newsom
Division Chair, Language and Literature
Associate Professor of English
B.A., Oklahoma Baptist University, 2003
M.A., Louisiana State University, 2007
Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 2012
Joined the OBU faculty in 2012.

Faculty

Kaine Ezell
Associate Professor of English
B.S.E., Southern Arkansas University, 2002
B.A., Southern Arkansas University, 2002
M.A., University of Arkansas, 2008
Ph.D., University of Arkansas, 2012
Joined the OBU faculty in 2012.

Benjamin Myers
Crouch-Mathis Professor of Literature
B.A., University of the Ozarks, 1998
M.A., Washington University, 1999
Ph.D., Washington University, 2003
Joined the OBU faculty in 2005.

Alan Noble
Associate Professor of English
B.A., California State University, 2004
M.A., California State University, 2007
Ph.D., Baylor University, 2013
Joined the OBU faculty in 2014.

Jessica L. Rohr
Assistant Professor of English, TESOL
B.A., Baptist Bible College, 2006
M.A., Missouri State University, 2008
Ph.D., University of Texas at Arlington, 2016
Joined the OBU faculty in 2017.

Charles Swadley
Associate Professor of English and Spanish
B.A., University of North Texas, 1980
M.A., University of North Texas, 1985
Ph.D., University of Oklahoma, 2008
Joined the OBU faculty in 1997.

M. Sidney Watson
Professor of English
B.A., University of South Carolina, 1991
M.A., University of South Carolina, 1993
Ph.D., University of South Carolina, 1997
Joined the OBU faculty in 1999.

Lyda Wilbur
Assistant Professor of Spanish
B.B.A., Cameron University, 1988
M.A., Millersville University, 1999
M.A., Oklahoma State University, 2004
Ed.D., University of Oklahoma, 2014
Joined the OBU faculty in 2017.

Career Possibilities with Majors and Minors within the Division

Business (local and international)
Editing
Education
Communication Specialist
Government Agencies
Journalism
Media
Researcher
Social Services
Translation and Interpretation (missions)
Travel and Tourism
Writer