Each week during the month of May we will be introducing one of Briercrest’s new faculty members. They each answered the same questions ranging from their area of expertise to the top item on their bucket list. This week we’re excited to introduce Brenda Beckman-Long who will be one of the new college English professors.

Where is home?

I was born and raised in Saskatchewan, and am proud to call Regina home.

What excites you about the opportunity to teach at Briercrest?

I am eager to continue teaching in Christian higher education, after teaching English at the Canadian Bible College and Luther College at the University of Regina.

Do you have any specialized areas of study?

I have published articles on Canadian women’s writing in Studies in Canadian Literature, English Studies in Canada, and Literature and Theology. My current research explores how 21st-century Canadian writers engage with current and historical trauma across the globe through testimonial narratives.

What is your proudest moment?

In 2005, I won a Canada Graduate Scholarship to write a book about Canadian novelist Carol Shields, who models ethical criticism and repositions women’s life writing in literary and cultural history. The book will be published soon.

Do you have any hobbies?

I’m part of two reading groups called Voice and Lit Group. I’m also a volunteer tutor for the Regina Open Door Society and First Baptist Church. In the summer I like to travel, hike, and swim.

What is your favourite book?

I will always love The Diviners by Margaret Laurence.

What are two top selections in your music collection?

My favourites are Handel’s Messiah and Bach’s Cello Suite in G Major.

What’s on the top of your bucket list?

Having studied French in France and Belgium, I long to learn another language such as German or Italian.

If you could spend the day with any two famous people (living or dead) who would it be and why?

I’d like to meet Jane Austen and Gabrielle Roy to discover secrets of the writing life.