By Claire Fitzgibbons ’19, Staff Writer
International excelled English honor society Sigma Tau Delta’s LVC chapter has tabbed a new leader for this year in Dr. Shayani Bhattacharya, Assistant Professor of English. Bhattacharya is taking over from Dr. Gary Grieve-Carlson, Professor of English, who was in charge of the group for 10 years.
“I’m excited to get involved,” Bhattacharya said. “The chapter has been a little static over the last few years. Since I was taking over at a time when the chapter had a new group of inductees, it seemed like a good opportunity to see what sort of interests the members might have.”
These interests include providing works that will help guide future members into meaningful under-and-post-graduate careers.
“The chapter decided to undertake several projects this year,” Bhattacharya said. The society will be publishing a newsletter on a semester basis that tracks the goals and achievements of the members. We have plans to publish a dossier by the end of this year that will act as an extended portfolio of scholarly, creative, and professional work – an illustrative resume of sorts. I am particularly excited about this since this starts a tradition of creating institutional memory on the range of interests the members have while offering a great model for future members.”
Members of the society are excited about Bhattacharya’s new ideas for the group. Autumn Light, a senior English major and Vice President of Sigma Tau Delta, feels that Bhattacharya is a perfect choice to lead Sigma Tau Delta.
“She’s dedicated and enthusiastic, which will definitely make navigating the new roles we both have a lot easier,” Light said. “She’s also a great listener, which is important when you’re collaborating with a lot of other people.”
Bhattacharya ultimately hopes that these new endeavors will allow Sigma Tau Delta to leave a positive impact on LVC.
“I am very happy with the level of enthusiasm and commitment that the current members have demonstrated,” Bhattacharya said. “I look forward to laying the groundwork for a chapter that supports its members in their research and professionalizing endeavors.”