WMU English professor recipient of 2019 Charles Carpenter Fries Award

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—The Michigan Council of Teachers of English has named Dr. Jonathan Bush, English professor at Western Michigan University, as the 2019 recipient of the Charles Carpenter Fries Award. Bush was recognized at the annual MCTE Fall Conference on Friday, October 18. The award was presented by WMU alumnae Dr. Kristin Sovis, English professor at Central Michigan University, and Dr. Amanda Stearns-Pfeiffer, English professor at Oakland University.

The Charles Carpenter Fries Award is the longest-standing MCTE award, recognizing accomplished English educators whose dedication to the profession and distinguished career is shown through the advancement of teaching English.

“The opportunity to help students grow in their passion for teaching English language arts, and to assist teachers as they build their craft in Michigan, is both an honor and a pleasure,” says Bush. “I'm proud of the network of amazing alumni and colleagues I've had the chance to work with over the years.”

Bush, who currently serves as president of MCTE, has been a professor of English at WMU since 2001, teaching undergraduate and graduate courses in writing, rhetoric and English pedagogy. He also directs the Third Coast Writing Project. Bush has served as the English department chair at WMU and was the interim associate dean for the College of Arts and Sciences in 2015. He was also named the American Council on Education Fellow for 2015-16.

Bush earned a bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University, a master's degree from Northwestern State University of Louisiana and a doctoral degree from Purdue University. 

MICHIGAN COUNCIL OF TEACHERS OF ENGLISH

Founded in 1924, MCTE  was established for K-16 English language arts teachers and English educators in Michigan. The organization provides professional development for English language arts teachers and English education professors throughout the state.

The next MCTE conference, Think Spring 2020, will be held on WMU’s campus on Friday, March 13, 2020.

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