Will Padgett

INTRODUCTION

Research & Creative Interests

I majored in English (specifially Composition and Rhetoric) so one of my hobbies is writing personal projects. I used to do a podcast with my neighbors that never gained any traction. I'm a frequent Dungeons and Dragons player and am in the midst of writing a multiverse-style campaign for me and my friends. 

A lot of my academic/research interests revolve around cinema, contemporary literature, and the evolution of writing standards and slang. 

Publications

I used to write opinion columns for The Daily Eastern News. I did that for about a year and wrote on a variety of topics so if you're interested, definitely check them out on the DEN's website. 

Education & Training

I have a Bachelor's in English with a concentration in Professional Writing.

I also have a Master's in English with a concentration in Composition and Rhetoric.

My EIU Story

I grew up in the Charleston area, so coming to EIU was a no-brainer. I originally wasn't an English major, though; my original degree was going to be in Middle Level Education. I changed my major my senior year (which my parents were thrilled about) to English because I had this overwhelming sense that I just wasn't meant to teach that level. I'm still trying to figure out if that was the right call, but so far everything's been peaches and gravy. 

I believe, wholly and truly, that EIU is one of the best schools in Illinois (and that's not just because they write my paychecks, shoutout to the Payroll Office). The familiarity you'll have with your professors and your classmates is invaluable and the fact that we don't have a million people running around means you can actually hear yourself think...most days. Charleston is a great city and there's more to see beyond campus. If you're reading this, absolutely go to Jackson Avenue Coffee if you're looking for your caffeine fix. Tell 'em Will sent ya. They may act like they don't know what you mean but trust me they do.