GREENVILLE, Pa.—Melissa Borgia-Askey, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of English at Thiel College, a leading liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania, participated recently in a panel presentation titled, “Water Is Life: Standing Rock, #NoDAPL, and Literacy Education” at The National Council of Teachers of English annual convention in St. Louis.
She shared her experiences teaching about world indigenous rights. Other panel presenters were from Michigan State University and the Flandreau Indian School in South Dakota.
Borgia-Askey has done research for the Seneca Nation of Indians’ Tribe; Historic Preservation Office, as well as work at Seneca School, Ganӧhsesge:kka:’ Hë:nödeyë:stha, where she is involved in several projects pertaining to language maintenance and cultural revitalization. She has presented her research at conferences including the Stabilizing Indigenous Languages Symposia, Workshop on American Indigenous Languages, and the College English Association.
Borgia-Askey teaches courses in rhetoric, composition, and educating English-language learners. She is also an online course designer/instructor of Pennsylvania Department of Education English as a Second Language certification-track courses for teachers.
About Thiel College
Thiel College is an independent college founded in the Lutheran tradition. Located in Greenville, Pa., the College offers 60 majors and minors, 24 varsity sports, and an 11:1 student-faculty ratio. The College is also home to a new Master of Science in speech-language pathology and 2Master of Business Administration. Both master’s degree programs offer innovative and accelerated five-year paths which allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degree in five years. The speech-language pathology program also has an accelerated 15-month graduate-level program. The M.B.A. program also has a 12-month post-graduate program.A dedicated faculty paired with dynamic research and internship opportunities produce numerous graduate school and job placements. Coeducational from its beginnings, the College remains committed to combining tradition with innovation as it celebrates 150 years.