Betty Ellzey, professor of English and chair of the department of English and modern languages, was awarded the runner-up prize for West Virginia Professor of the Year.
Ellzey, who began at Shepherd in 1989, received a $2,500 prize, according to the West Virginia Humanities Council that sponsors the yearly contest.
In an interview with The Picket, Ellzey called the reception in Charleston “lovely” and a great experience. She said her nomination was an honor and expressed her gratitude to her current and former students, as well as the faculty and administration of the university.
Ellzey specializes in medieval literature and teaches courses focusing on Chaucer, The Bible, Shakespeare and early British literature.
She is also the founder and driving force behind The Rude Mechanicals Medieval and Renaissance Players, a theater troupe made up of Shepherd students and community members. Under her direction, they have performed around the United States and abroad.
LaShawn Tolson, a senior English major, called Ellzey a “great mentor and professor.” Tolson attributes her work with the Rude Mechanicals entirely to Ellzey. “She’s supportive in every way and always pushes me to go beyond my best.”
Colleen Wolfe, who is pursuing her MAT degree, called Ellzey a “wildly intelligent woman” and an “inspiring and caring professor.” She said Ellzey served as her advisor during her undergraduate coursework and that her classes enriched her overall writing ability.
Jeannie Moore, a recent graduate of Shepherd who has also been involved with the Rude Mechanicals in various roles, believes Ellzey “works tirelessly” for students. Moore further believes Ellzey always encourages students to take their work, whether in the classroom or the theater, to the next level and does everything she can to help them.
Jim Lewin, professor of English, believes Shepherd is lucky to have Ellzey
Regardless of the runner-up award, Ellzey said teaching has allowed her to do what she loves for 40 years. “In what other profession would it be possible to talk and write about Chaucer, Shakespeare and Hrothsvita and get paid for it?”