Three alumni of the Master of Arts in Liberal Studies (MALS) program gave an impressive performance at the 2023 Annual Conference of the Association of Graduate Liberal Studies Programs (AGLSP). The conference, which took place in San Diego, California, was themed “WONDERlust: Interdisciplinary Encounters with Awe” and was filled with excitement. These alumni shared their research, demonstrating how the MALS program promotes lifelong learning and impactful scholarship. Read more below about their work.
To learn more about AGLSP and their conferences, visit their website at aglsp.org.
Karyn Thomas
Advocating for Interdisciplinary Engagement at AGLSP Conferences
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Karyn Thomas shines as a fervent advocate for interdisciplinary engagement and scholarly exchange. With her involvement in two AGLSP conferences, where she presented in 2022 and 2023, Karyn underscores the significance of these gatherings in fostering academic growth and professional development.
Reflecting on her experiences at the AGLSP conferences, Karyn highlights the multitude of benefits they offer to participants. From networking with scholars and administrators to gaining insights into diverse research and scholarly works, the conferences provide a unique platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and collaboration. Karyn emphasizes the value of submitting proposals to present as a means of refining writing skills and sharing scholarly research with peers.
In her presentations, Karyn delves into pressing societal issues, offering thought-provoking insights and advocating for meaningful change. From infrastructure policy to the promotion of ancient African principles in community building, her research addresses critical topics with clarity and conviction.
As a proud alumna of NC State’s MALS program, Karyn cherishes the opportunities provided by the AGLSP conferences to engage with fellow scholars and contribute to interdisciplinary discourse. She encourages current MALS students to seize the chance to attend such conferences, recognizing their potential for academic and professional growth.
In conclusion, Karyn extends a call to action for increased participation in AGLSP conferences, emphasizing their role in fostering interdisciplinary scholarship and advancing meaningful dialogue on pressing societal issues. Her dedication to interdisciplinary engagement serves as a testament to the transformative impact of collaborative academic endeavors in driving positive social change.
How was the AGLSP conference? What are a few takeaways that you want to share with current MALS students?
I have attended two AGLSP conferences, and presented at them in 2022 and 2023. Here are a few of my takeaways:
- Networking opportunities. The conference provides an excellent opportunity for meeting interdisciplinary students, scholars, program administrators, and faculty from member institutions.
- Learning about the research, thesis and other creative and scholarly works from workshop presenters, and other cohorts. It exposes attendees to what others are doing within the topic(s) of discussion/conference theme, and interdisciplinary academics.
- Submitting a proposal to present is an excellent way to develop/improve writing skills on how to write abstracts, create presentations, and to present scholarly research to others in the field of Liberal Arts Studies.
- Connecting and making new friends from your own institution who are interested and supportive of your research; and making new friends as well.
Could you share the highlights of your presentation and why you chose to participate?
My first presentation focused on the Biden Infrastructure and Jobs Act that included among other important policy initiatives, $65 billion dollars to expand broadband and internet connectivity to rural and urban communities, making access to digital communications more accessible and affordable. I focused on arguing the social implications and importance of providing access to all Americans – leaving no one behind in the digital age. I exemplified the digital divide, and showed how COVID unveiled those disparities in education, health care, and access to basic information. I also shared that there are ten (10) states that are leading the charge, among the North Carolina. These states prior to this historic legislation were already establishing their own Broadband agencies to address the issue of the “digital divide.”
My second presentation (last year) focused on a lighter topic based on the conference theme that allowed me to be more organic, and share more about my work in the community. This presentation was an extension of a workshop that my husband and I facilitated at State’s first Black Researchers Symposium. The topic that I presented on focused on imaging a world where we practiced the ancient African Principles of Ubuntu, Sankofa, and the Nguzo Saba. I argued that embracing the idea of Black futurism and sustaining Black can be advanced through the incorporation of teaching these principles in order to build stronger Black communities.
What does being a MALS alumni mean to you?
I am extremely proud of being a MALS alumni. I am proud of being an alumni from NCSU. I graduated in 1979. I was in the MPA program until I decided that it was not what I was seeking academically, plus I wanted to pursue my career in television broadcasting. After learning about the MALS program, and meeting Dr. Garval, I knew that it was the perfect fit for me because I wanted to complete a journey that I started in 1979/80. When I got accepted into the MALS program, it was one of the best days of my life! I believe that State’s MALS program is one of the best interdisciplinary programs around. There are not words adequate to express my professional growth, the identification and evolution of my research interests and scholarship, and my academic writing. As a journalist, I had to retrain my writing skills to satisfy my academic pursuits. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey and the practice as I thrive to get better with each abstract, paper, and presentation.
Why was attending the AGLSP conference a priority for you? Would you recommend attending to current MALS students?
Attending the AGLSP conference was a priority for me because I realized it was an opportunity to meet other students in the interdisciplinary field. I also have a desire to develop my resume as a conference speaker/presenter, and the conference was/is is an excellent training avenue for honing one’s skills in scholarly research. The honest critique prepares students on how to improve and get better at their research (and presentations). The academic setting is the optimal environment for learning and networking. The Q&A sessions allows individuals like myself to respond extemporaneously to questions about the research paper, thesis, etc. I definitely see growth and confidence in what I want to pursue in my research in the area of Communications and Social Change.
I HIGHLY recommended that current MALS students plan to attend this year’s conference which is virtual. Next year’s conference is in Memphis, TN. I think it is the 50th year. As stated in my previous responses, above, I think that I have presented several reasons why MALS students should invest in attending the conference. It is part of their professional and academic growth.
Is there anything else you would like to share with current MALS students – related or not related to the conference?
No, other than I would like to see more students from NCSU submit proposals, and make an effort to attend. Perhaps, the graduate school could consider a small scholarship to support one student or two to attend in 2025.
Austin Haigler
A Journey of Growth and Connection at AGLSP
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The 2023 AGLSP National Conference served as a pivotal moment for Austin Haigler, a distinguished MALS alum from NC State University. This marked his fourth attendance at the conference, but this time, it held a special significance as he showcased his evolution from a graduate student to an instructor. Haigler’s journey through the MALS program has been one of continuous growth and self-discovery, and the AGLSP conference has played a crucial role in shaping his scholarly voice and pedagogical approach.
Haigler’s presentation at the conference, titled “Awe, Connection, and Stewardship: Radical Pedagogies at the Nexus of STEM and the Liberal Arts,” reflected not only his academic prowess but also his deep-rooted connection to the MALS community. Drawing on concepts he became acquainted with during his time in the program, Haigler emphasized the importance of reorienting familiar ideas within new frameworks—an approach encouraged by the inclusive atmosphere of the AGLSP conference.
The highlights of Haigler’s presentation extended beyond the conference itself, encompassing the collaborative spirit and supportive environment fostered within the MALS community. Through mock presentations and the opportunity to present alongside fellow MALS alum Stephanie Jares, Haigler experienced firsthand the camaraderie and sense of belonging that defines the program. For him, being a MALS alumni signifies more than just academic achievement; it represents a lifelong commitment to nurturing intellectual connections and staying true to one’s roots.
For Haigler, attending the AGLSP conference has always been a priority, offering invaluable opportunities for scholarly development and networking. From finding his scholarly voice to navigating the challenges of a virtual conference during the pandemic, each experience has contributed to his growth as a scholar and educator. Haigler’s advice to current MALS students echoes his own journey: embrace interdisciplinary opportunities, attend conferences, and engage with diverse perspectives to enrich your academic and personal journey. As he embarks on the next phase of his academic career, Haigler remains committed to the ethos of AGLSP and looks forward to continuing his scholarly exploration alongside the vibrant MALS community.
How was the AGLSP conference? What are a few takeaways that you want to share with current MALS students?
The 2023 AGLSP National Conference was the highlight of my final year of graduate coursework. It was also my fourth time attending. I first attended the conference in 2016, alongside another MALS alum, María Tudela (‘18), under the tutelage of former MALS Director, Dr. Mike Garval. That year I presented an early iteration of what became my Final Project. Basically, I presented research. Through that process I began to locate and articulate my scholarly voice. Fast forward to AGLSP 2023, I gave my first public presentation focused, not on research, but on something that has been taking up much more of my time now that I am an instructor in IDS and STS. This year I presented on pedagogy. Basically, I presented on being and becoming a teacher. Accordingly, my presentation was entitled “Awe, Connection, and Stewardship: Radical Pedagogies at the Nexus of STEM and the Liberal Arts.”
Those three concepts: awe, connection, and stewardship– they are all concepts that I became more intimately acquainted with during my time in the MALS program. One benefit of this year’s AGLSP conference is that it provided me the opportunity to translate those concepts into a new framework, a new orientation, but to do so within the overall discourses of liberal arts and interdisciplinarity. So, one substantive takeaway I would like to emphasize with current MALS students who are considering submitting a proposal to AGLSP is to give yourself a chance to reorient some well-known, long-held concepts into a different framework. The AGLSP is a welcoming conference space and encourages trying out new modes of thought.
Could you share the highlights of your presentation and why you chose to participate? What does being a MALS alumni mean to you?
The first highlight of my presentation actually occurred before the conference. It is worth mentioning explicitly because it speaks to the material support, as well as the culture of camaraderie that has grown over the past decade of my time in the MALS community. This highlight was during our ‘mock’ presentations. During this trial-run I got supportive feedback on the discursive component, as well as careful critique on the visual component of my presentation. Going through that process allowed me the opportunity to make a few crucial improvements that resulted in a much more legible and confident style of delivery for my entire presentation.
Another highlight of the presentation was being able to present alongside another MALS alum (and former classmate from 2015!), Stephanie Jares. Though I have given multiple presentations at AGLSP with members of the Wolfpack in either the audience, or presenting during a different session, this was my first time being on the same panel with someone who I’d known for so long. That was special to me 🙂. (And having Karyn Thomas–who also presented– and Lester Thomas in the audience for the second year in a row was awesome too!)
I chose to participate in this year’s conference because I felt like my academic career came full circle (for now). I wouldn’t be on the cusp of beginning my dissertation, I wouldn’t be an instructor, I wouldn’t be who I am today without the time I spent enmeshed in the MALS community, growing my intellectual roots. Being an alum, it means keeping the connection to those roots intact.
Why was attending the AGLSP conference a priority for you? Would you recommend attending to current MALS students?
The AGLSP conference has played a number of roles in my scholarly development. As mentioned, back in 2016 it helped me initially locate my critical, scholarly voice, and articulate my ideas in a public-type forum. In 2021, during the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, AGLSP hosted a virtual conference and there, I stayed connected to academia by presenting a paper I had written during the interim of my MALS and now-CRDM (Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media) PhD work. Now, as I embark on the next phase of my academic career I believe that through AGLSP I have begun to locate and critically reflect on my pedagogical voice. I intend to continue to attend AGLSP conferences throughout the years and presenting alongside more and more members of the NC State MALS community would be a special honor.
Is there anything else you would like to share with current MALS students – related or not related to the conference?
Go to conferences! Interdisciplinary work can have a tendency to be isolating due to how specific and niche some of the subjects we research are. You may not find someone else presenting on anything remotely related to your specific topic, but you are likely to find *modes of thinking* that can greatly amplify the range of imaginative possibilities for your own work, classroom, and or life more generally.
Stephanie Jares
Empowering Student Leaders and Fostering Community
![](https://mals.chass.ncsu.edu/wp-content/uploads/sites/10/2024/05/Stephanie-Jares-Professional-Headshot.jpg)
Stephanie Jares, an esteemed alumna of the MALS program at NC State University, exemplifies the transformative impact of interdisciplinary education on professional and personal growth. Her journey from MALS student to Director of Academic Advising for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology stands as a testament to the program’s ability to empower individuals to effect positive change in their communities.
At the 2023 AGLSP Conference in San Diego, California, Jares had the opportunity to showcase her innovative work with the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador Program. Her presentation, “The Wonder of Teaching: Those AHA! Moments,” highlighted the profound impact of student-led mentorship programs in fostering resilience, leadership skills, and a sense of community—especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Jares’ proposal garnered interest from colleagues at prestigious institutions like Harvard and Yale, affirming the significance of her work in academia.
For Jares, being a MALS alumna is synonymous with empowerment and opportunity. In her keynote speech at the IDS Commencement in December 2023, she eloquently articulated the profound impact of her MALS journey on her professional trajectory and personal development. As a testament to her unwavering commitment to higher education and student success, Jares encourages current MALS students to embrace the invaluable opportunities afforded by the program and to persist in their pursuit of academic and personal fulfillment.
Attending the AGLSP conference was not just a professional priority for Jares—it was a celebration of the remarkable achievements of her Student Ambassadors and a testament to the transformative power of interdisciplinary education. Through her participation, she sought to amplify the voices of her students and inspire others to recognize the immense potential within every individual.
Reflecting on her journey, Jares emphasizes the profound impact of the MALS program in shaping her identity and unlocking her full potential. Her message to current MALS students resonates with clarity and conviction: embrace the journey, seize every opportunity for growth, and never underestimate the transformative power of interdisciplinary education. In Stephanie Jares, the MALS program finds a shining example of dedication, innovation, and leadership—a testament to the enduring legacy of interdisciplinary inquiry and community engagement.
How was the AGLSP conference? What are a few takeaways that you want to share with current MALS students?
The AGLSP Conference was an incredible experience for me to present to colleagues from Universities throughout the country regarding my Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassador Program. My proposal: “ The Wonder of Teaching: Those Aha! Moments: Presentation for AGLSP Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassadors”. The opportunity to go to San Diego, California to share the work that I am doing with a Team of 20 Student Ambassadors at NC State which was made possible by my MALS degree which made it possible for me to become the Director of Academic Advising for the Department of Sociology and Anthropology was the culmination of my hard work and effort to achieve my MALS degree. The Conference was incredible because with MALS everyone has different perspectives and different ideas and no two proposals are the same. After my presentation I had people who listened to me from Harvard and Yale tell me that they were interested in having similar Ambassador programs at their Universities which made me feel that my work means something to academia. There are opportunities to learn new things at conferences but also to believe in your own work and also network! Takeaways are, attend conferences and do not give up!
My proposal is below: The Wonder of Teaching: Those AHA! Moments:
In the post pandemic era college students are needing a sense of normalcy, community, mentorship, mental health support, self confidence, leadership building and direction. Students need mentorship and guidance from academic advisors and administrators for students who are in a mental health crisis and there is also a need for a sense of connection due to the pandemic. Through the wonder of teaching students how they can believe in themselves, through those AHA moments of a student-led leadership program called the Student Ambassadors at NC State University students have taught themselves how to be mentors. Those AHA moments have become ones of connections where students learned that they could learn how to lead and show students that through an effort to connect with others in a time when no one could connect, students could come out of the pandemic stronger and as leaders and have those AHA moments. Through the wonder of teaching students how to lead, those AHA Moments led the Department of Sociology and Anthropology Student Ambassadors to be nominated for the Chancellors Creating Community Award and those AHA moments have led students to wonder how they can lead current and future students. The Student Ambassador Program has led more students to join the mentorship program to have more AHA moments since the program began in February 2020, one month before the COVID-19 pandemic closed our University. The AHA moments led to a program that has and will achieve more AHA moments for years to come!
Could you share the highlights of your presentation and why you chose to participate?
I chose to participate in this Conference because I wanted to celebrate the work that my Student Ambassadors are doing.
Why was attending the AGLSP conference a priority for you? Would you recommend attending to current MALS students?
It was a priority because not only for my own professional development but I truly believe that the Student Ambassadors are doing amazing work and benefiting the students who are both participating and the students in our Department.
Is there anything else you would like to share with current MALS students – related or not related to the conference?
MALS truly made me who I am today. The degree is invaluable and as someone who has worked in higher education for 25 years and was told I could never achieve my full potential or be in my current position MALS made that possible-see my speech.
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