Name: Pamela Monk
Position: English professor, College of the Liberal Arts
Education: B.A, Biology and Elementary Education, CUNY Hunter College; Master’s in learning disabilities, University of Illinois
Links: University Profile
Where are you from originally?
Long Island, New York
What do you teach at Penn State?
Two sections of COMM 461 (Professional Journalism Seminar) , ENGL 215 (Introduction to Article Writing) and FYS (First Year Seminar)
How did you find yourself at Penn State?
My husband got a job as Dean of Education at Penn State. I was a sixth grade teacher, so I decided I would start something completely new. I had the right background. I was a freelance writer and had my masters, so I was qualified to switch levels. Penn State offered me a position as a writing teacher. It was a good opportunity to start something new, and it turned out great. I love teaching here!
What were you doing before?
I was a sixth grade science and language arts teacher for almost for 25 years.
What other projects/writings have you been involved in throughout your career?
I have written for The New York Times, Central PA Magazine, State College Magazine, Voices of Central PA, Town and Gown Magazine, Newsday, Philadelphia Inquirer, Ithaca Times and I have written a few plays that 
were performed in NYC. (Click here for a complete list of Pamela Monk’s works.)
What Penn State organizations/clubs are you involved with?
I’m involved with PSN-TV Student Television Network, Phroth Humor Magazine, and Valley Women’s Magazine. I’m on the board of Voices newspaper and I’m on the board of Pennsylvania Center Stage.
What was one of your proudest moments as a writer?
One of my proudest moments was when I got two articles published in the New York Times travel section:
‘Canoe Camping, Family Style‘ June 24, 1990
‘Discovering the Sweet Inland Waters‘ April 23, 1989
What are your favorite topics when writing?
I like writing about family, the outdoors, whatever is going on in my community, or what I am doing at the time.
What do you do for fun?
I like to produce shows and create theatre events. I love the outdoors: hiking, kayaking, flat water canoeing, and cross country skiing.
