USU's Graulich Wins National Award

Melody Graulich, professor of English in Utah State University’s College of Humanities and Social Sciences, recently was announced as winner of the American Studies Association Mary C. Turpie Prize.

Established in 1993, the Turpie Prize honors a person who has demonstrated outstanding abilities and achievement in American Studies teaching, advising and program development.

Graulich is a member of the American Studies Association and serves as president of the regional group, the Rocky Mountain American Studies Association. The prize will be awarded at the annual meeting of the American Studies Association Nov. 7.

“More than anyone I know in the field, Melody has made the study of western American literature an inviting, cross-generational and cross-disciplinary field,” said William R. Handley, executive secretary of the Western Literature Association.

USU offers American Studies degrees at both undergraduate and graduate levels. The American studies program offers students a sophisticated understanding of the issues, histories and relationships that shape North American culture, past and present. With focus areas in the American West, Canadian and Mexican Borderlands, American history, literature, folklore, creative non-fiction, studies in visual culture and the environment, the American studies program allows students to create a plan of coursework that crosses both geographical and historical boundaries.

Graulich has twice received WLA’s Delbert and Edith Wylder Award for Longtime Service, the only person to be so honored. She also received the Susan Rosowski Award for Creative Teaching and Mentoring in 2012.

“Ever since she arrived at Utah State in 1997, Melody has done more than any other faculty member I have worked with here or elsewhere to recruit promising American Studies graduate students, consult closely with them during their years at Utah State and help them move to the next phase of life,” said colleague and USU professor of English Paul Crumbley.

A distinguished scholar, Graulich is the author or editor of seven books, most recently Dirty Words in Deadwood: Literature and the Postwestern. She is the recipient of the Delmont R. Oswald Research Grant from Utah Humanities Council. Selected as editor of Western American Literature in 1997, Graulich came to Utah State University from the University of New Hampshire, where she held the Class of 1938 Professorship for Excellence in Teaching.

Related links:

• American Studies Association
• USU American Studies Program
• USU Department of English
• USU College of Humanities and Social Sciences

Writer and Contact: Kristin Middaugh, CHaSS communications director, 435- 797-0267, kristin.middaugh@usu.edu