Volume 46, #1 - November 2008 - Houston Baptist University

Setting Sail forOxford University:Jennifer Barton ’07by Clarissa Fraser ‘08Jennifer Barton ’07 is setting a historic precedent this fall:she will be the first HBU student to pursue a graduate degree atOxford University.Barton, who was named Outstanding Writing Major at HBUin 2007, graduated with Honors in May, 2007. At Oxford, shewill be participating in program called English Studies in theMedieval Period. The curricula will cover primarily Englishliterature from Beowulf to just before Shakespeare. During thefirst year, Barton will sign up for modules on specific topics andthen work her way through a reading list and assigned essays.During her second year of study, she will focus on research forher master’s thesis. She would like to continue the work shestarted with her honor’s thesis at HBU, The Other World inMedieval Literature.Dr. Louis Markos, professor of English, highlyrecommended Barton for the program at Oxford. He believesher “creative yet well-disciplined mind; her unplumbed depthsof insight into life, literature, humanity; her strong, supplefaith; her intuitive ability to forge new connections; and hercritical ability to discern the significance of those connectionsare all indicators that she will contribute her own voice to thesymphony of those who would blend the music of Athens andJerusalem.”Barton has always loved to read and write stories. She saysshe was “composing stories before I could even write!” In highschool, Jennifer’s love of literature deepened. When her fatherpassed away during her senior year in high school, she decidedto remain at home in Sugar Land and attend HBU.Her decision to attend HBU set her on the path to Oxford.During her freshman year, she accompanied Dr. Markos andseveral other students on a trip to England and had her firsttaste of Oxford. The seminar style of teaching appealed to her.Barton greatly enjoyed her classes and loved studying medievalliterature back at HBU. She was, in fact, “the kind of studentwho makes you remember why you became a teacher,” Dr.James Ulmer, professor of writing, said. Barton did not thinkabout Oxford again, however, until after she had completed herhonors thesis and graduated from HBU.“I went to Oxford’s web site thinking it might be fun to justapply,” Barton said. “I thought it would be interesting to seewhat happens.”The resulting application process was long and arduous.In addition to the completed application, Barton had to supplyrecommendation letters, samples of her writing, and a defenseof what she wanted to study. It was well worth the effort,however, as she was accepted.Each of Barton’s professors is cheering her on as sheprepares to begin her new journey. “It has been gratifying toteach Jennifer and watch her flourish at HBU,” Dr. ConstantinaMichalos, chair of the Department of Languages, said. “She willdefinitely benefit from her experience at Oxford, and she willenhance the quality of that program with her gifts.”HBU 23 News