After receiving my MLS from IUSB, I began teaching in 1991 as an associate faculty member, and I am now retired after twenty-nine years of teaching first-year writing and creative writing. I was an active member of multiple committees that deal with developmental writing issues such as curriculum, course goals, textbook selection, handbook selection, and placement testing. I served as Director of First-Year Writing, and prior to that I served three terms as the Assistant Director. In 2009/2010 I served as Campus Theme Co-coordinator, bringing Alex Kotlowitz, author of There Are No Children Here, to campus for interviews, discussions, and an evening reading.
Nancy Botkin, Senior Lecturer
Contact Information
Email: nbotkin@iusb.edu
Education:
B.A. English, Michigan State University
Master of Liberal Studies, Indiana University South Bend
Background
Interests
I have a long-standing interest and commitment to incoming freshmen as they navigate college life and acclimate to the rigors of academic work. Their initial experiences in writing are important as they develop the skills and confidence to move from the ENG-W130/W131 sequence into writing in their chosen field of study. The critical thinking skills that they gain from the two courses will not only facilitate their success in the university, but will greatly enhance their lives as they venture into the public to pursue active citizenship.
In addition to teaching composition, I also taught ENG-W 206, Introduction to Creative Writing. I am a working poet, actively publishing, and I believe in drawing from my real-life experiences as a writer to teach students about both the process and product. Whether or not they pursue a life writing, they acquire valuable skills in interpretation and analysis---ways to evaluate and appreciate the art around them.
As a visual artist, I’m interested in Altered Art and Collage. I have made numerous assemblage boxes, which have been exhibited at the Colfax Cultural Center in South Bend. I’m currently working on a series of altered antique oil cans.
Publications
Parts That Were Once Whole, Mayapple Press (2007)
Bent Elbow and Distance, Finishing Line Press (2011)
In Waves, March Street Press (2009)
The Next Infinity, Broadstone Books (2019)
My poems have appeared in december, California Quarterly, Midwestern Gothic, Poetry East, POOL, Columbia Poetry Review, Eclipse, American Literary Review, Chariton Review, and many others."
Honors and Awards
2017; 2014; 2009; 1999: Trustees Teaching Awards
2014: The IU South Bend Alumni Association Legacy Award