Conference 2002 update


Post-Conference Newsletter October 2002

Florida College English Association’s Fall Conference, “Many Voices, Many Places,” drew approximately 100 faculty to the Sheraton in Gainesville. With twenty-nine concurrent sessions, conference goers had the opportunity to pursue many topics of interest. One strand of these concurrent sessions focused on teaching and researching using technology. Also well represented in these presentations was the study of Florida literature.

Five presentations deserve special mention. Betty Jean Steinshouer presented, “Notes from Cross Creek,” cosponsored by the Florida Humanities Council. Her presentation of Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings gave us insights into both Rawlings’ life and work. Patrick McMahon from Tallahassee Community College, former president of FCEA, helped us all put our work into perspective with his humorous rendition of our chosen career. Virgil Suarez, poet and novelist from Florida State University spoke at the luncheon, capturing the audience with readings from Banyan and Guide to the Blue Tongue. Gregory Cunningham, teacher at P.K. Yonge, the UF Research School, shared William Bartram’s life with those brave enough to visit Paynes Prairie on Friday afternoon. The FADE panel, arranged by Maurice O’Sullivan of Rollins College focused on the future of English Departments. Many issues and differing opinions were shared by panelists, providing us all with issues to be considered in our own departments.

Honors and Award

In our 41st year as an organization, FCEA honored its past presidents. All were invited to the luncheon. Many attended, receiving recognition for the many hours they committed to making FCEA an strong organization.
Also this year, FCEA honored a distinguished colleague (see website). Fred Standley of Florida State University was honored for his long time commitment to our organization, his teaching, research, and collegiality.

CEA Plans

FCEA will be hosting College English Association’s Spring Conference in St. Petersburg, Florida. The theme of the conference is “After the Apocalypse: Reinvisioning our Research and Curricula.” FCEA will sponsor a local arrangements committee. FCEA will offer breakout sessions regarding 1) Florida literature, 2) plagiarism, and 3)technology and pedagogy. Volunteers to staff the CEA registration tables during the conference are needed. Contact Kevin Morgan or Jeff Karon.

The FCEA Executive Board for the 2002-2003 year will be:

Susan Nugent, President
Kevin Morgan and Julia Rawa, Co-Vice Presidents and Co-Treasurers
Jeffrey Karon, Executive Secretary
Jane Anderson Jones, Immediate Past President
Courtney Ruffner, Publications Editor
Steve Brahlek
Deborah Coxwell-Teague
Kevin McCarthy
Fred Standley, CEA Liaison

The Board

Next Conference

The 2003 Fall Conference will be held at the Holiday Inn at Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, on October 16 and 17, 2003. The conference will emphasize technology, and some sessions will take place at the St. Petersburg College Seminole Campus. Kevin Morgan and Julia Rawa will be providing more information at a later date.