Jessica Folkart named chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures
Jessica Folkart discovered her ability to lead as an undergraduate student, when classmates gravitated toward her to learn the class material.
Coming from a long line of teachers, she originally resisted teaching as a profession. But through leading study groups, she found her passion.
Folkart, a professor of Spanish, was named the new chair of the Department of Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures this summer. She joined Virginia Tech in 1998 and is excited to continue in her new role.
“I always felt like I hit the jackpot landing in a department where there are strong mentors and supportive colleagues,” Folkart said. “I am happy to now have the chance to pay it forward.”
Folkart’s goal as chair is to expand and adapt the department’s curriculum to the changing needs of students. While many students aim to graduate in less than four years, she is hoping to empower them to study language even as they expedite their studies.
The department offers students 12 languages as majors or minors. Folkart said she believes that it is important for students to learn another language and culture, so they can be prepared to engage in a global world.
“It is vital in this age of globalization not only to have the ability to travel to another country, but to communicate in the language and have a deep understanding of the culture,” she said. “It just pairs so vitally with many job fields.”
Her current research examines the representation of identity and immigration in contemporary Spanish literature. Folkart’s interest in Spanish literature was sparked during her undergraduate studies where she conducted research for an honors thesis.
“I became completely enamored with research and the critical thinking that comes with analyzing a literary text,” she said. “It is so powerful and made my mind much sharper, developing my brain in ways I had not experienced in other subjects I studied.”
After Folkart earned her bachelor’s degree from William & Mary, she received her master’s and doctoral degrees from the University of Kansas.
Folkart has won numerous teaching awards and is a member of the Academy of Teaching Excellence at Virginia Tech. Her latest book, “The Angle of Horror: An English Translation and Critical Education,” brings Spain’s storytelling master Cristina Fernandez Cubas to an English-speaking audience.
“Jessica has the energy, wisdom, and temperament that make a strong department chair,” said Laura Belmonte, dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences. “We are fortunate to have her at the helm of the department.”
Folkart enjoys being a Hokie, in particular because of the passion and support she finds from professors and working with the students.
“I love the students at Virginia Tech,” she said. “They are my joy. As I talk with colleagues around the university, I am always grateful that I get to have this student body as my home.”
By Brooke Van Beuren, communications intern for the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences
