English Department enters new era under Phillips’ leadership
With the retirement of Dr. Sam Overstreet and the two-semester sabbatical of Christina Seymour, the English Department at Maryville College is in a period of transition. To provide stability, Dr. Will Phillips has stepped into the role of chair of the Division of Languages and Literature.
A professor at Maryville College since 2001, he has previously served as chair of the division. His long-standing dedication to the college, coupled with his reputation as a steady and supportive leader, made him a natural choice to step in once again.
Reflecting on the absence of both Overstreet and Seymour, Phillips emphasized the impact on the department. “Dr. Overstreet and Ms. Seymour were both really talented teachers and amazing scholars,” Dr. Phillips said. “Not having them here is a loss.”
That loss has been felt most clearly in the cancellation of several courses, which Phillips identified as the largest setback of Seymour’s sabbatical. While faculty are working to ensure students still receive the instruction they need, certain literature classes that have been staples of the curriculum could not be offered this year.
Beyond course offerings, Seymour’s absence has also shifted academic advising responsibilities. Phillips has taken on her students in addition to his own, leaving him with nearly double the advisees he typically oversees. Though this has added to his workload, he has approached the responsibility with a sense of dedication.
When asked about his initial reaction to being named chair again, Phillips was straightforward. “Administration is not something I take great joy in doing,” he said. “But I do think at this point in my career, if I can do things that help everyone else on this hallway teach their classes well, then I’m doing something useful.”
For him, the role is less about authority and more about creating the conditions that enable teaching and learning to succeed.
Many of the professors in the English Department are still early in their careers, and Phillips’ support and guidance can help his colleagues succeed in their teaching and scholarship as they establish themselves at Maryville College. At the same time, he recognizes that the department has several faculty members who may be ready to take on this advanced leadership role in the future.
Looking ahead, Phillips hopes that the disruptions caused by the cancellation of courses will be temporary. His goal is to see the classes reintroduced next year when Seymour returns, allowing students more opportunities to explore the broad scope of literature and writing offered at Maryville College.
Despite the challenges, Phillips’s steady leadership has helped the English Department navigate this period of change. By bearing additional responsibilities and prioritizing the success of his colleagues and students, he continues to play a crucial role in maintaining the strength of the division. While the absence of Overstreet and Seymour is deeply felt, Phillips’s commitment ensures that the department remains a place where faculty and students alike can thrive.
Anderson Hall photo courtesy of Maryville College.